Whether Food Lion accepts WIC depends on your state and your store. Each state’s WIC agency decides which stores can accept WIC, so ask your local Food Lion or your state WIC agency before you shop. This guide covers what to check and what WIC can buy.
- What is WIC?
- Eligibility for WIC
- Does Food Lion accept WIC?
- WIC approved food at Food Lion?
- How to use WIC at Food Lion?
- Can you use WIC online at Food Lion
- How to check WIC balance at Food Lion?
- Checking WIC Balance Online?
- What if Food Lion does not accept WIC?
- Other retailers that accept WIC
- How to find WIC stores near me?
- Tips for using WIC at Food Lion
- Benefits of using WIC at Food Lion
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is WIC?
WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children. It is a federal assistance program that provides nutrition education, healthy food, and support to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
The goal of WIC program is to improve the health of low-income families by providing them with healthy food choices and nutrition education.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet certain income and residency requirements.
You must be a resident of the state where you are applying for WIC, and you must have an income that is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
Pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under the age of five can qualify for WIC. A health professional must also find a nutritional risk. If you get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may automatically meet the income requirement.
Does Food Lion accept WIC?
It depends on your state and your store. Each state’s WIC agency decides which stores can accept WIC, and we haven’t verified every Food Lion location. Ask your local store or contact your state WIC agency before you shop.
WIC approved food at Food Lion?
WIC benefits can be used to purchase certain nutritious eligible foods. The exact list varies by state, and may include:
- Milk, cheese, and other dairy products
- Infant formula and baby food (excluding organic baby food)
- Vegetables
- Bread
- Breakfast cereals, including hot and cold cereals
- Fruits
- Eggs, peanut butter, dried beans, and canned fish
- Juice, including 100% fruit juice and vegetable juice
It's important to note that WIC benefits can only be used to purchase items that are on the approved list. Any non-WIC items in your cart will need to be paid for separately.
To ensure that you are purchasing WIC eligible items, use your state’s WIC food list. If your local Food Lion accepts WIC, it may also label eligible items on the shelves.
How to use WIC at Food Lion?
If your local Food Lion accepts WIC, bring your WIC card and a list of the WIC-approved foods you want to purchase.
You can find a list of WIC-approved foods on the WIC website or through your local WIC office.
When you are ready to check out, give your WIC EBT card to the cashier, and they will deduct the cost of the WIC-approved items from your balance.
Can you use WIC online at Food Lion
WIC benefits generally can’t be used for online grocery orders, including at Food Lion. USDA has tested online WIC shopping in some places, so ask your state WIC agency what’s allowed where you live.
How to check WIC balance at Food Lion?
Your state’s WIC agency can tell you the best way to check your balance. Many shoppers use their last receipt. In-store options vary:
Step 1: Go to the Customer Service Desk
If your local Food Lion accepts WIC, ask at the customer service desk whether it can check your balance.
Step 2: Provide Your WIC EBT Card
If the store offers this, give your WIC card to the customer service representative.
Step 3: Check Your Balance
Check which foods and amounts you have left before you shop.
Checking WIC Balance Online?
Many states offer a WIC app or website. Ask your state WIC agency which one to use. The steps are usually:
Step 1: Create an Account
Go to your state’s WIC website or app and create an account. You will need your WIC EBT card number and other personal information to create an account.
Step 2: Log In
Once you have created an account, log in using your username and password.
Step 3: Check Your Balance
After logging in, you should be able to see your WIC balance. You can also view your transaction history and other important information related to your WIC benefits.
What if Food Lion does not accept WIC?
If Food Lion does not accept WIC in your area, you can use your WIC benefits at other retailers that accept WIC. You can find a list of WIC retailers on the WIC website or through your local WIC office.
Other retailers that accept WIC
WIC stores vary by state. These guides explain what to check for other retailers.
Grocery Stores
Pharmacy
Dollar Stores
See our store list, or get your state’s list of WIC retailers from your local WIC office.
How to find WIC stores near me?
Browse stores by state and city on our website, then confirm with the store or your state WIC agency.
Tips for using WIC at Food Lion
Here are some tips for using WIC at Food Lion:
- Make a list of the WIC-approved foods you want to purchase before you go to the store.
- Check your WIC balance before you go to the store so you know how much you can spend.
- Use your state’s WIC food list to make sure you are buying eligible items.
- If you have any questions, ask the store manager or a customer service representative.
Benefits of using WIC at Food Lion
If your local Food Lion accepts WIC, you may be able to:
- Buy WIC foods along with your other shopping, paying for non-WIC items separately.
- Shop at a store that’s close to home.
- Use the same WIC card you use at other authorized stores in your state.
Conclusion
Whether Food Lion accepts WIC depends on your state and your store. Confirm with the store or your state WIC agency before you shop.
If Food Lion does not accept WIC in your area, your local WIC office can tell you which stores do.
FAQs
WIC benefits generally can’t be used online. Ask your state WIC agency what’s allowed where you live.
No, WIC benefits can only be used to purchase eligible food items.
Yes, you can use WIC benefits to purchase organic foods as long as they are WIC-approved.
If your local Food Lion accepts WIC, you can use your benefits for the baby foods on your state’s WIC food list.
No, not necessarily. Each state decides which stores can accept WIC, so check with your local Food Lion.