However, it would be surprising to write and mention that in some Walmart stores, WIC cards are not accepted, which we are going to discuss also. Keep following to know more!
What is a WIC card?
Just as someone would have a debit card, load some cash, and begin doing their shopping using the same card, WIC also operates under the same line. The only thing you are required to do is to register for the card services and begin enjoying the benefits. However, let’s keep it in mind that in as much as WIC card functions almost the same as other normal debit cards, there stands out an overt and crystal clear difference between the duo.
What Is The Difference Between WIC Cards And Other Debit Cards?
It is a central question that almost every client who walks into a shopping mall would ask before they can finally consent to register for the services. It is commonly known that as long as you have a registered debit card, regardless of the bank account you are using, you can make payments for any goods and services you receive at any given company. However, with WIC, the card only becomes eligible for a few selected and approved goods, and that is also restricted to be used at some selected Walmart stores, and the same has also been accepted for online purchases.
Some Of These Products Include The Following;
Iron-fortified adult cerealEggsMilkVitamin C-rich fruit or vegetable juiceInfant cerealCheeseFruits and vegetablesPeanut butterCanned fishBaby foodsSoy-based beveragesWhole-wheat breadDried peas/beansTofu
If you have a kid or an infant and would like to give them the best nutritional foods to keep them in a good state of health, then why don’t you pick a WIC card and begin getting these products at the most subsidized costs?
How to access WIC Card
I know you might be asking, ‘how can I access the WIC card and begin accessing the benefits too?’ I have developed a set of simple steps you can follow to have yourself acquire the card and be at par with other Walmart customers.
If you are a Walmart loyal customer and would like to share in its benefits in terms of groceries purchases, go ahead and do the following.
Make your way to the nearest WIC offices and register an account with them. You will be provided with a four-digit PIN which you will always use to approve your payments using the WIC card. Collect your card and begin enjoying the services.
For more information, you can comfortably contact this number: 1-866-629-1095 in case you are stuck and need more assistance.
Who Are Eligible For WIC Benefits?
As the name goes, “Women, Infants, and Children”, it is with no single doubt that for one to be eligible for the WIC benefits, they should be;
A pregnant womanBreastfeeding mothersInfantsChildren not exceeding the age of 5.
What To Take Note of When Using WIC Cards
However, when making payments at the cashier using your card, you should ensure you take note of the following very key points;
Ensure that you are keen only to purchase items that are approved by WIC program benefits. This implies that you should not mix your WIC-approved items with other items. When items are being scanned at the cashier desk, make them begin with WIC items first before they scan other items. When making payments, be sure to only use your card for WIC items, and not others. After making payments, ensure you once more check through the transaction so to be sure that only WIC card was used to purchase WIC items.
But, hold on! I earlier mentioned that some Walmart stores accept online WIC services, which was not the case in the recent past. Remember? Is this really possible? Continue reading on and get to know how, and why.
Why Online Shopping Is Becoming Useful And Possible At Walmart Using WIC Card
A recent report revealed that Walmart and Hy-Vee companies were working into incorporating online shopping services within their stores, allowing distant customers with WIC cards to continue enjoying the services. The main reasons why the two companies decided to come together and work towards helping customers get access to fresh fruits and vegetables were as follows;
To overcome transportation and time-constraint barriers which had existed before. Indeed, the aforementioned aspects were the key barriers to successful business between Walmart stores and customers. By introducing online shopping, customers will conveniently order goods and have them delivered within a specified time. The COVID-19 pandemic also pushed the companies to take the action of allowing the WIC families to enjoy online ordering and shopping.
Programs Underway
However, it should keenly be noted that this is a newly devised project by the two companies, and it is still under pilot process. According to Winsight Grocery Business’s report, approximately 85 eligible WIC at Walmart will be given a chance to participate in the program whereby they will be allowed to make a purchase through online means and make payments on the same channel.
Conclusion
WIC is an essential program offered by Walmart to its customers. For one to be eligible for the program, they should be pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children of up to 5 years. Therefore, being an individual falling under the aforementioned category places you in a good place where you will access groceries at an amazingly cheaper cost. You only need to get your Card, and you will be good to go.
How long do the WIC benefits run?
An active member can enjoy the benefits up to six months after the birth of the baby. Sometimes it goes up to one year in case the mother is still breastfeeding.
What are the major items accepted by WIC?
Since WIC only deals with fresh foods, you can make purchases on fresh fruits and vegetables, and other soft infant-approved drinks such as yogurt.
What if it happens that I accidentally purchase other items with my WIC card? What should I do?
You only need to alert the cashier to remove it from the WIC-approved items and put it in other purchases you have made.