Learn more about WIC Online Shopping and how to get involved.
WIC STATE AGENCIES
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Though WIC online shopping projects do not have a one-size-fits-all approach, The Blueprint for WIC Online Shopping Projects (“the Blueprint”) can be used as a roadmap for WIC State agencies and their partners as they prepare and implement online shopping options within their State, tribe, or territory. The Blueprint was developed through engagement with WIC-authorized vendor representatives, EBT processors, WIC State agencies, e-commerce representatives, and other WIC or online shopping experts. The lessons learned from existing WIC online shopping projects also informed development of the Blueprint.
The WICShop+ Resource Library has additional information on getting started with WIC online shopping projects.
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The WIC Online Shopping Sub-grant Project Request for Proposals (RFP) has now closed. You can review resources related to the closed RFP on the WIC State Agency Funding webpage. Sign up for the WICShop+ monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on any future funding opportunities.
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WICShop+ is an all-in-one site that provides resources, webinars, and other technical assistance on WIC online shopping. For information to help with WIC online shopping you can:
Explore the WIC online shopping resource library.
Attend our quarterly webinars and Question & Answer sessions with experts on a specific WIC online shopping topic.
Connect with partners across the nation through our online community of practice discussion portal.
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In 2020, USDA FNS awarded GSCN the WIC Online Shopping Grant to develop and test WIC online shopping through WIC State agency-led projects. GSCN is using lessons learned from projects to create resources necessary to expand online shopping nationwide.
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Our team is dedicated to supporting those who are interested or actively involved in implementing WIC online shopping projects. Reach out with general questions, to request help, or to connect with a technical assistance provider.
VENDORS & OTHER ONLINE SHOPPING PARTNERS
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WIC online shopping partners (including vendors, EBT processors, online enablement platforms, and e-commerce and retail technology providers), should partner with a WIC State agency to get involved in a WIC online shopping project. You can find your WIC State agency contact information here.
You can also join the WICShop+ Community of Practice Discussion Portal to connect with other partners across the nation. Ask questions and share insights to gain peer-learning among partners implementing WIC online shopping projects. Sign up and login to your free account to access the discussion portal.
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To learn more about becoming a WIC-authorized vendor, contact the WIC State agency in your area. You can find your WIC State agency contact information here.
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The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides access to healthy food and nutrition services to more than 6 million participants across the country.
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In 2020, USDA FNS awarded GSCN the WIC Online Shopping Grant to develop and test WIC online shopping through WIC State agency-led projects. GSCN is using lessons learned from projects to create resources necessary to expand online shopping nationwide.
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Our team is dedicated to supporting those who are interested or actively involved in implementing WIC online shopping projects. Reach out with general questions, to request help, or to connect with a technical assistance provider.
What is WIC online shopping?
WIC online shopping gives participants the option to use their WIC food benefits while ordering groceries online. WIC online shopping can include online or in-person transactions, and families can choose to pick up items or have them delivered. Using WIC food benefits in online grocery shopping could occur along with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other forms of payment at participating retailers.
Why WIC online shopping?
Despite WIC’s many benefits, just over 50 percent of eligible individuals participate in the program, and WIC food benefits are often not fully redeemed each month among participating families. Research has documented several barriers to WIC participation and WIC benefit redemption such as inadequate transportation options, difficulty finding time to shop, challenges identifying WIC approved items at stores, and issues associated with using benefits at checkout.
WIC online shopping has the potential to reduce these barriers and advance nutrition security by helping to ensure WIC participants have the same access to nutritious foods as other shoppers.
Time and transportation challenges
Participants can create an online order at any time and choose a pickup or delivery time that is most convenient.
Difficulty identifying WIC-approved items
Through the online platform, WIC-approved items will be clearly labeled, and filters can help participants easily find desired items.
Issues associated with in-lane checkout
Participants have increased privacy when shopping and paying online using WIC food benefits and can avoid in-lane checkout issues such as needing to get new items when non-WIC items were accidentally selected or items not scanning appropriately.