You're now on the WIC program and have received your first bundle of checks. This article will guide you through the different parts of the check and how to use one in a store.

WIC (an abbreviation for Women, Infants, and Children) is a Federal assistance program in the US that provides nutritional and supplemental food to newborns and children up to the age of 5 who are at a level of nutritional risk, as well as low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women.[1] The program is available in all 50 States, 34 Indian Tribal Organizations, America Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth Islands of the Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.[2]

Steps

  1. 1
    Look at the different sections. Each section has its own use and requirements.
  2. 2
    Look at the food list. The descriptions will tell you specifically what you can get. If it says "24-36 oz - Dry Cereal", you may get any combination of approved cereal that adds up to at least 24 but no more than 36 ounces. Most items, however, must match exactly the listed amount, size, and type. For example, "1 dozen large eggs" must be 12 eggs, not 6, 8, or 18; large, not medium or jumbo; and white, not brown or organic. You can also buy fewer items than are on the check, but the check will not be given back to you to buy the remaining items later.
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  3. 3
    Separate WIC items from regular purchases. Place your WIC items first on the conveyor belt and place the specific WIC check on top of the items. This is to alert the cashier that it is a WIC purchase; some grocery cash registers must ring up WIC purchases in a separate mode. Put a grocery divider after each WIC purchase if you are using more than one check. Also, place a divider between the WIC items and your other groceries.[5]
  4. 4
    Present your WIC folder (or ID) to the cashier. The cashier will need to verify that your signature is on it in order to start the WIC purchase. You may be required to present a valid picture ID, as well.[6]
  5. 5
    Sign your WIC check. This is how the store gets paid for the WIC purchase. Some states may require you to sign a receipt, as well. You may or may not get a (second) receipt for your own records, depending on the state and store policy. You probably won't be returning the food to the store (and in some states, it is illegal to try to do so), so having a receipt usually doesn't matter.[7]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What should I do with a WIC receipt?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Keep it until your next WIC appointment in case it is needed.
  • Question
    As a cashier, how do I handle a customer that is using WIC?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Your store will have a specific procedure for how they handle WIC. Ask your manager during training what the proper protocol is in situations like this.
  • Question
    Where can I use WIC checks?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    WIC checks may be used at any participating grocery store. Most will advertise "WIC accepted" on the front door. If you do not see the advertisement, you can always ask a cashier/customer service if they accept WIC.
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Warnings

  • You will need your WIC folder (or ID) every time you use a check. If you don't, the vendor or store should not accept your purchase.
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  • Never use your WIC checks for someone else. These checks are meant for the child or mother whose name is on the check, and the people assigned on your WIC list.
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Things You'll Need

  • WIC check(s)
  • WIC food list
  • WIC folder or ID

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 22 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 181,152 times.
127 votes - 84%
Co-authors: 22
Updated: December 23, 2021
Views: 181,152
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