Many people in the United States may be in difficult financial situations and need assistance feeding themselves and their young ones. If you are receiving WIC benefits, you may be wondering which stores you can and cannot use your benefit card.
If so, keep reading to find out whether or not Trader Joe’s is an option for you!
Does Trader Joe’s Accept WIC In [currentyear]?
Trader Joe’s is not one of the approved stores that accept WIC, and you are not able to use your card at any of its store locations as of [currentyear]. For a retailer to start accepting WIC, they need to be approved as a WIC retailer. You can use WIC funds at Walmart, Kroger, Target, and several other stores.
If you are curious to know why you cannot use your WIC benefit as payment at Trader Joe’s, keep reading!
What Is WIC?
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a program where women, infants, and children can gain access to health and nutrition services.
Further, you can apply for this program if you meet any of the following requirements:
- You’re pregnant
- You’re breastfeeding
- Are in postpartum
- Have children under the age of five
In addition, applicants must meet specific income requirements.
What Items Can You Get With WIC?
At stores that accept WIC as a form of payment, you can get things you need, such as:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Whole grains
- Juice concentrate
- Peanut butter
- Cereals
- Infant formula
Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s does not accept WIC as a form of payment at any of its locations.
Do Any Trader Joe’s Locations Accept WIC?
While some grocery stores in the United States offer the ability to use the WIC benefit, none of Trader Joe’s locations accept this form of payment.
Why Doesn’t Trader Joe’s Accept WIC?
Trader Joe’s is not an approved location for WIC benefits. Therefore, to be able to accept payments through WIC, the store would need to have more beneficial items for its recipients.
For this reason, Trader Joe’s is not associated with WIC. However, Trader Joe’s does accept SNAP/EBT payments, which you may be eligible for.
Moreover, other grocery stores that also do not accept WIC are as follows:
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Aldi
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
Which Grocery Stores Accept WIC?
Although Trader Joe’s doesn’t accept WIC, the following are grocery stores that do accept WIC as a form of payment:
- Kroger
- Albertsons
- Food Depot
- Walmart
- Fred Meyer
- Piggly Wiggly
- Safeway
- Save Mart
- SuperValu
- Target
- Thriftway
- Vons
With that, for grocery stores to be part of this program, they must have a good variety of specific products that are beneficial for the customers who are looking to purchase the items.
Where Can You Use Your WIC Card Online?
Yes, you can use your WIC card to buy groceries and other supplies online at certain retail stores.
However, not every store on the WIC-approved list accepts the program online as of right now. Still, some stores that do accept your WIC card online are as follows:
- Walmart
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Giant Food
What Are Other Payment Options At Trader Joe’s?
As mentioned previously, Trader Joe’s does accept EBT as a form of payment. Aside from using government-issued financial help, here are other forms of payment accepted:
- Cash and personal checks
- Trader Joe’s gift cards
- Debit and credit cards
- Mobile payment (Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay)
Is WIC Available In Every State?
The program WIC is available in all 50 states. Also, it is available in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the District of Columbia, Guam, and others.
Furthermore, WIC can be used by the 34 Indian tribal organizations.
Gratefully, each state and territory provides programs such as WIC for those who cannot afford the necessities without assistance and who may be at risk nutritionally.
Further, it is important to note that grocery stores that offer WIC in one state may not provide the same in another.
Therefore, be sure to check with your store before heading in to do your grocery shopping.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Trader Joe’s takes EBT, Trader Joe’s dress code, and Trader Joe’s return policy.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s and lots of other grocery stores across the United States do not accept WIC as a valid form of payment.
However, there are multiple other stores to choose from when looking to use your WIC.
Also, if you are unsure of where you can go to use your WIC card, it is a good idea to look for accommodating stores on the USDA website.
