WIC-Only Stores Nearby? WIC-Only Shopping Options Listed

Sonya Bateman headshot Sonya Bateman
Verified & Updated Jun 13, 2019

Short Answer

WIC-only stores can be found in a few states — California, Florida, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas — and there are advantages and disadvantages to shopping at one. While shopping is easy, since all foods in the store are WIC-eligible, these stores sometimes have higher prices than traditional grocery stores. Below, we have more information about how WIC-only stores work, plus the list of WIC-only stores in the U.S.

What Are WIC-Only Stores?

WIC-only stores carry nothing but WIC-approved products, making it easy for people who receive WIC to shop with their vouchers. Unlike Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, WIC vouchers can only be used for a specific list of food items and supplements. Each paper voucher is good for only the products listed, and, in some cases, the approved items are brand-specific (such as for baby formula). The products you can get with WIC include:

  • Baby formula
  • Infant cereal
  • Baby food (fruits, vegetables, and meats)
  • Juice (limited types)
  • Milk
  • Breakfast cereal (limited types)
  • Cheese (limited types)
  • Eggs
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Fish (canned)
  • Dry or canned legumes
  • Peanut butter

Because WIC guidelines are so specific, it can be difficult — and even embarrassing — for people receiving WIC to redeem their vouchers at large grocery store chains. WIC-only stores simplify the process by stocking only WIC-approved items. And, since WIC is provided for pregnant women and mothers with small children, most WIC-only stores offer extra assistance to shoppers like helping them load groceries into their vehicles. One drawback to shopping at WIC-only stores is that average prices can be up to 16% higher than at major grocery stores, according to a study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Higher prices can limit the amount of food you can get with your vouchers.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a supplemental nutrition program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides assistance for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children.

How to Find WIC-Only Stores

In recent years, many WIC-only stores have closed due to price competition from larger retailers. Today, the majority of WIC-only stores are found in California, Florida, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Each WIC state agency maintains a list of approved vendors, often available in a searchable format through the agency’s website. However, there is no database dedicated solely to WIC-only stores. You can contact your state agency for a list of WIC-only stores and other WIC-approved vendors in your area, or see our list of WIC-only stores across the U.S. below.

The List of WIC-Only Stores

WIC-only stores are available in California, Florida, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas. Below, we have the list of WIC-only stores and chains to help you find your nearest WIC-only store. (If you don’t live in one of these states, see our list of grocery stores that accept WIC.)

California

Baby Nutrition Shop

Martha’s Market

Mommy & Me Nutritional Center

Mother’s Nutritional Center

Prime Time Nutrition

Quickeroo

Florida

First & Fresh

Florida Baby Food Centers

Mom-n-Me Food Store

Illinois

Catholic Charities WIC Food and Nutrition Centers

Oklahoma

Prime Time Nutrition

Texas

Grocery Services

JC Food Mart

Lone Star Family Market

Siempre

In Summary

Only a few states have WIC-only stores: California, Florida, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas. WIC-only stores stock nothing but products that can be purchased with a WIC voucher. These stores can be helpful and convenient for mothers who receive WIC, but they may charge higher prices than large grocery store chains. For more on stores that may or may not accept WIC, see our articles on Walmart and Walgreens.

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