Tips for Using WIC Benefits

WIC EBT at the store - make sure to have:


  • WIC EBT card.
  • Your state’s WIC Foods list or shopper app.
  • A shopping list. 
  • Know your beginning balance or what is remaining.
  • If you do not know your remaining balance, check with the customer service desk. They can print the information out for you. 
  • If your state has a shopper app, you may be able to check your balance on the app.
  • After paying, the cashier will also print a receipt. This will show what you have bought, and your ending balance each month.
  • Use all your WIC benefits before they expire. Your benefits do not roll over, they expire. If you do not use them, you lose them.



Use your benefits to create a healthy eating pattern.
Here are some helpful hints for making choices that will support a healthy eating pattern.

  1. Know what you can buy with your benefits before you shop.

  2. Eat healthy home cooked meals.

  3. Meal Plan before shopping: take our Making a Meal Plan lesson!

  4. Find healthy recipes; let Health eKitchen help! 

  5. Always shop with a list.

  6. Some stores post the WIC logo on eligible foods. Look for the logo as you shop.

  7. Choose fresh whole foods as often as possible. 

  8. Avoid processed foods with more than 5 ingredients; read food labels

  9. Eat more beans, lentils, and peas. They are low cost, high in protein, a great source of fiber, rich in folic acid, and super for your health and the planet! Growing beans, lentils, or peas puts nutrients back into the soil. Good soil needs less fertilizer to grow tasty food.

  10. Drink mostly water, milk, or 100% juice; avoid sugary beverages.

Deeper Dive

Check if your state is using WIC EBT cards here.

Looking for a quick way to know what you have left on your WIC shopping list? Use your state’s WIC app.

What you eat and drink over time (every day, week, or month) fits together to make your eating pattern. An eating pattern includes all foods and drinks. What you like and family traditions influence your unique eating pattern.

What you eat and drink over time (every day, week, or month) fits together to make your eating pattern. An eating pattern includes all foods and drinks. What you like and family traditions influence your unique eating pattern.


Daily recommendations for juice:

-- No juice for infants

-- 1/2 cup for toddlers 1 - 3 years

-- 4 - 6 ounces for children 4 - 6 years

-- 1 cup for 7 years or older

-- Encourage the habit of drinking water when thirsty and throughout the day.

Whole Foods

Whole foods are close to their natural state.

They are minimally processed or not processed at all before reaching the supermarket shelf.

They do not contain any extra additives or preservatives.

Examples: 

Examples of whole foods are: fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, brown rice, eggs, milk, meats, seafood, and poultry.

Canned and frozen foods can be whole foods too. Read the label, there should be only one ingredient.