There are many stores across the country that accept WIC, food stamps, and EBT as a payment mode for groceries, dairy products and food items.
It is likely that you wonder whether Walgreens accepts WIC, SNAP, and EBT benefits since Walgreens has more than 8000 stores nationwide.
Here’s what I found!
As of 2023, majority of Walgreens stores accept WIC, SNAP, and EBT cards at most locations.
It is, however, recommended to confirm that your local Walgreens accepts WIC by calling your local store. At Walgreens, you can get groceries, dairy, bread, meat and more with WIC and EBT cards.
The following article will provide you with information regarding how to use your EBT card, WIC and SNAP also which items you may purchase (and which you may not), as well as I answering your question how to find a Walgreens store near you.
Does Walgreens Accept WIC, SNAP and EBT Cards?
The EBT card gives you the option to use your food stamps and cash benefits that you receive through WIC or other government programs.
You can use these cards to make purchases at POS terminals as you would debit and credit cards. The fact that Walgreens accepts WIC benefits and food stamps across the country does not mean you can use them at all Walgreens stores.
State laws and regulations have differing eligibility requirements for EBT, which is primarily responsible for this situation.
Read Also: What Is the Highest Income Level for Food Stamps in 2023?
What is the Use of WIC, EBT, and Food Stamps?
The SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally-funded program that provides low-income individuals and families with financial assistance to purchase food. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is available in all 50 states.
You can use SNAP benefits at online and local retailers and grocery stores, farmers markets, and convenience stores that accept payment via EBT cards. SNAP benefits can also be used to purchase seeds and plants to grow fruits and vegetables.
In order to receive SNAP benefits, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements including being a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, having a limited income, and being unemployed or underemployed. For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for SNAP benefits, please visit the USDA website.
WIC Program
Even though they are often confused, WIC and EBT card are not the same thing.
The WIC program is a federally-funded health and nutrition program for women, infants, and children. WIC provides nutritious food, breastfeeding support, and education on healthy eating to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
In addition to improving the health of participants, the WIC program also helps to reduce healthcare costs. A recent study found that every $1 invested in the WIC program resulted in savings of $3 in Medicaid costs.
WIC cards can be used to purchase groceries that meet USDA standards and have a high nutritional value.
EBT Cards
The Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT card is a card that enables eligible recipients to receive and use their benefits electronically. Benefits that can be accessed with an EBT card include SNAP (food assistance/food stamps), TANF (cash assistance), and WIC (nutritional assistance for women, infants, and children). The number of people living in poverty is estimated at 97.4 million. Approximately $125 dollars is paid per household participant for each EBT payment processed every month.
Food Stamps
The SNAP program was previously known as the Food Stamp Program. The food stamp program is similar to an EBT card in that it provides families with low incomes with a safety net. According to the USDA, approximately 16 million households participated in SNAP in 2016. This equates to about 42 million people, or around 13% of the US population.
Read also: How Many Stamps Are In a Book 2023 & How Much It Cost?
How to Know If Your Nearest Walgreens Stores Accept WIC, EBT, SNAP?
To find out if your nearest Walgreens store accepts WIC, EBT Card and SNAP, call the store directly and ask the customer service representative. This will be the easiest and quickest way due to the lack of information on the Walgreens website in regards to EBT eligible locations.
You can use the Walgreens store locator to find your nearest Walgreens store. It will provide you with the nearest store’s address, phone number, and hours of operation based on your address.
You can also type on Google “Walgreens Stores Near me” and it will list out the nearest stores. Just make sure that you have your location on your mobile phone.
If you know the location of a store, you can also go there directly and ask customer representative whether or not they accept food stamps and WIC.
How To Make a Payment at Walgreens With EBT Card?
Using your EBT card at a POS terminal is similar to using your debit card or credit card. You need to follow these steps:
- To use your card, first swipe it using the POS device like a debit card.
- Now you will be asked to enter your four digits PIN number.
- Check and confirm the amount.
- Press OK to initiate the transaction.
Then the retailer will give a proof of transaction receipt. It may also show the remaining balance in your EBT card.
You can ask Walgreens Cashier to help you out if you are a senior with no experience using debit or credit cards. They would be happy to do it for you.
Read Also: How Many Sheets of Paper Per Stamp?
What Can I Buy Using My EBT Card, WIC or Food Stamps at Walgreens?
If you are a recipient of government benefits such as food stamps (now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP), WIC, or TANF, you may be wondering what items you can purchase at Walgreens using your EBT card.
The answer may surprise you!
While most people think of Walgreens as a place to buy cosmetics, health items, and occasional groceries, they actually have a wide variety of items that can be purchased using EBT, WIC, or food stamps.
Some of these items include:
- Cereal and bread
- Toiletries and hygiene products
- Baby formula and diapers
- Dairy products and snacks
- Fish, Meat, and poultry
- Canned vegetables
- Pantry staples
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Plants and seeds that provide food for the household
When using your card, you will need to present it to the cashier and they will swipe it just like a credit or debit card. Be sure to have your ID ready as well, as the cashier may ask to see it.
Walgreens primarily focuses on pharmacy services, so it may not have items from the above mentioned list in your nearest stores. Therefore, it’s advisable to ask at checkout before you purchase a food item to make sure it’s actually available.
Read Also: Do stamps expire? What is the life of stamps?
What Items I Can Purchase With EBT Card, WIC, or SNAP?
You can use your EBT, WIC, or food stamps card to purchase a variety of items including:
- Toiletries and hygiene products
- Baby formula and diapers
- Cookies & candy
- Ice cream
- Soft drinks
- Produce
- Household cleaning supplies
- Energy drinks with nutrition label
- Beauty products
- Office supplies
- Hot Foods
- Medicines and Vitamins
You cannot use your card to purchase alcohol, tobacco products, or gift cards.
Other Stores That Accept EBT Cards, WIC, and Food Stamps
If you’re using EBT, WIC, or food stamps, you might be wondering where you can find WIC-approved stores other than Walgreens. Here are a few tips:
One way is to use the EBT card locator on the USDA website. This tool will help you locate stores in your area that accept EBT cards.
Another way is to check with your local WIC office or the state WIC agency. They should be able to provide you with a list of WIC-approved stores in your area.
Finally, you can also use the food stamp locator on the USDA website. This tool will help you locate stores in your area that accept food stamps.
Amazon.com also sells Groceries, Fresh Food Items and accepts EBT cards.
Other stores that accept payment using EBT cards:
- Albertsons
- Walmart
- CVS
- Costco
- Kroger
- Target
- Shoprite
- Family Food Stores
- Food Lion
- Harris Teeter
- Jubilee Foods
- Publix
- Sam’s Club
- Save-A-Lot
- Sprouts
- Trader Joe’s
- Shop N Save
Many stores that accept WIC benefits will have the logo displayed prominently. You can also ask friends, family, or neighbors if they know of any WIC-approved stores in your area.
With a little bit of research, you should be able to find a WIC-approved store near you.
Read Also: How Many Stamps Do I Need for a Letter to Canada?
Conclusion
It’s no secret that Walgreens is one of the most popular retailers in the United States. And while they may not be known for their rock-bottom prices, they are certainly a convenient option for many shoppers. But what about those who rely on government assistance programs like food stamps, EBT, and WIC? Does Walgreens accept these forms of payment?
The short answer is yes, Walgreens accepts all major forms of government assistance, including EBT, WIC, and food stamps. So if you’re in need of some groceries or other necessities, be sure to stop by your local Walgreens.
Hello, I’m Kevin, a passionate philatelist from Brooklyn, NY, with years of experience in collecting and studying stamps. Through my blog, I aim to share my knowledge and insights on all things related to stamps, including where to buy them and their current market value. As a trained researcher, I pride myself on providing accurate and trustworthy information to my readers. Feel free to reach out to me through the contact form with any questions or suggestions. Happy stamping!