WIC: Shopping Help

The WIC program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) helps you buy foods that keep you and your kids healthy. Learning how to shop for WIC foods before you go will help you be successful at the grocery store.

How do I buy food through WIC?

Step 1: Apply for WIC

The first step to apply for WIC is to fill out your pre-application. 

Step 2: Set your eWIC card PIN and download the MyWIC app

One you're enrolled in WIC, you'll get an eWIC card linked to your WIC benefits account. The WIC food you buy uses up the WIC food benefits in your account. Call the phone number listed on the back of your WIC card to set your four-digit PIN.

Download the MyWIC app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to help you shop more easily. The app can help you:

• Check how many WIC food benefits you have left.
• Get a reminder before your WIC benefits expire.
• Scan barcodes to see which foods are WIC approved.
• Search for WIC-approved foods.
• Find WIC-approved stores.
• Receive reminders for WIC appointments.

Step 3: Learn what foods you can buy

Your food benefits are based on your nutrition needs and give you and your children helpful nutrients. Your benefits explain the type of foods and how much you can buy with your eWIC card. You can find your WIC food benefits on:

• Your WIC Shopping List (from your WIC office).
• Your grocery store receipt.
• The Wisconsin MyWIC app (from the Apple App Store or Google Play).

The WIC Shopping Guide helps you know which foods you can buy with your eWIC card, and provides many helpful tips for a great grocery store experience!

View the WIC shopping guide

Often, you can buy foods such as:

WIC foods are chosen to help meet important nutritional needs. Key nutrients include protein, iron, zinc, calcium, folate, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and fiber. WIC food packages support the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, align with the American Academy of Pediatrics infant feeding guidelines, and support breastfeeding.

Step 4: Shop at any WIC-approved store in Wisconsin

Here are some tips to help you be successful WIC shopper:

• Use WIC first. Always swipe your WIC card first. WIC benefits expire every 30 days, while other benefits, such as FoodShare, roll over to use in future months. Use WIC first, then use credit, debit, your QUEST card, or cash to pay for other things in your transaction.
• Start small. Keep transactions small and simple the first few times you shop, until you are familiar with shopping for WIC foods. Use a checkout lane with a cashier. Self-checkout lanes can only be used in select stores.
• Make a list. Make a shopping list before going to the store using the WIC Shopping Guide, P-44578. Include different brands, sizes, and flavors in case one specific food isn’t available at the store.
• Check your balance. You can find out your balance in several ways.
  • Use the Wisconsin MyWIC App.
  • Ask the store for a benefit balance on your card, and keep receipts after shopping to help plan for your next shopping trip.
  • Check www.ebtedge.com.
  • Call the number on the back of the eWIC card for a balance inquiry.
• Look for WIC approved signs. Some retailers identify WIC approved items on the shelf or store price tag.

If you need assistance

We’re here to help make it easy for you to get healthy food. If you have any questions or problems, check the Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, or contact your WIC office.