Walmart customers in Massachusetts and Washington can now use their benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to pay for online grocery orders, making it easier for families to access essential food items.
Announced in late 2021, the initiative enables eligible participants to purchase WIC-approved products through Walmart’s website or mobile app for in-store pickup or delivery.
The program is available at 67 Walmart locations in Washington and 48 in Massachusetts, marking the first time WIC benefits can be used for online shopping in these states.
Previously, federal regulations required WIC purchases to be made in person at authorized stores.
However, Massachusetts and Washington are among 11 states granted federal waivers and funding to implement online ordering, with Walmart being the only retailer participating in both states.
Ryland Allen, Walmart’s vice president of baby merchandising, said: “We are very pleased to join the Washington WIC program in this important pilot to make it easier for families to fully maximize their WIC benefits.
“Walmart’s multi-channel capabilities provide customers with a seamless shopping experience, whether through in-store, online, pickup, or delivery to help increase access to healthy foods.”
Once participants link their WIC card to a Walmart account, they can browse and purchase eligible items such as infant formula, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.
The program also helps families locate out-of-stock items by sourcing them from other Walmart locations.
Massachusetts public health commissioner Robbie Goldstein also emphasized the program’s impact.
“The option to shop for groceries online makes nutritious food more accessible for WIC participants in the state,” he said.
“It helps alleviate the challenges faced by many when in-person shopping is the only option – challenges like limited mobility, lack of transportation, language barriers, and time constraints.”
Washington State’s WIC director, Brittany Tybo, highlighted that partnering with Walmart supports WIC families facing challenges in accessing stores or finding WIC-approved foods nearby.
“By innovating to provide delivery, shipping, and pickup options, we remove barriers and ensure families can easily access the healthy foods they need in a way that makes sense for them,” she added.
WIC, administered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides nutritional support to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk.
The Walmart pilot will continue through December 31, 2025.
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