Using WIC Vouchers
FAQs About WIC
Using WIC Vouchers
You will come to the clinic to pick up your WIC checks every one, two, or three months. A WIC Nutritionists will let you know how often. It is important to use the WIC vouchers the right way. The following is an example of a WIC voucher. Let us explain the correct way to use them.
The top of the voucher shows the name of the person who is on the WIC program. The foods listed on the voucher are for this person only. The amount and types of food listed on each voucher depend on the age and nutritional needs of the person enrolled. This is determined by our WIC Nutritionists. The number of vouchers you receive may depend on when you pick up your checks. Since WIC is a supplemental program, if you are more than a week late for your appointment you may be given less food. A person will only be given the amount of supplemental food needed until the next WIC appointment.
You may shop at any store designated as an approved WIC vendor.
First and Last Day to Use
On the second line you will see the first day you may use your WIC voucher. DO NOT USE THEM BEFORE THIS DATE. The last day you may use your voucher is also listed on the second line. DO NOT USE THEM AFTER THIS DATE. Vouchers are good and can be used from the first date through the last date.
Dates can be different so always check the dates when you first receive your vouchers and every time you use them. Dates can also vary between family members, so watch them carefully. If the “Last Day to Use” date is passed and you have not used the voucher, it is expired. You cannot use an expired voucher and it cannot be replaced. Always check the dates!
WIC Approved Foods
The middle portion of the voucher shows what foods you and how much you can buy with your WIC voucher. You can refer to the WIC Approved Food List given to you by your WIC staff, to see the specific types and brands of different items. These specific foods and brands have been approved because they are high in the WIC nutrients you and your children need to be healthy. The store is required to allow only the purchase of these WIC Approved foods. To prevent problems at the checkout counter, make sure that you are buying only WIC approved food.
WIC has also has a "least expensive brand" policy in order to save money. This helps WIC to serve more clients. Some WIC foods are brand specific, and only the listed brands can be purchased at the store. Some WIC foods are the "least expensive brand". These include milk, eggs, cheese, peanut butter, and 100% orange, grapefruit or pineapple juice. How can you keep it all straight? WIC will give you an authorized food list, showing the approved brands of nutritious food you can buy with WIC vouchers. If you have any questions, refer to your food list or ask your clinic staff.
At the Store
Remember to always bring your WIC Identification Packet with you to the store when you shop using WIC vouchers. You cannot use your WIC vouchers unless you show your packet to the cashier when you purchase WIC approved foods.
As you shop, separate the foods you are buying with your WIC vouchers from any other foods you are buying. Before ringing up your WIC foods, tell the cashier that you will be buying this food with WIC vouchers. If you are using more than one WIC voucher, help the store personnel by separating your foods according to each voucher.
You will sign the voucher at the store in front of the cashier when you pick up the WIC foods listed on the voucher. The signature on your voucher must match the signature on your WIC identification packet. This protects your benefits and keeps someone else from using your vouchers. Your signature on this bottom line also shows that the cashier has rung up the foods correctly. It also shows that you have been charged the right amount for the WIC foods you are purchasing. Please do not sign the voucher until the store cashier writes in the total dollar amount. You do not need to keep your receipt, but you can if you would like to. Take your food home and enjoy!
Least Expensive Brand
Please look on the food card for where it says “Least Expensive Brand”. This means that when purchasing this item a WIC client must buy a private label of a store brand. If a name brand is on sale for the same price of less than the private label or store brand, then that item can be purchased. If the store does not stock a private label or a store brand for that item, then a name brand can be purchased.
Tips for Shopping with WIC Vouchers
Follow these shopping tips when using yoru WIC vouchers at the store.
- Use vouchers between the first and last days to use. You do not need to spend them all at once or purchase all item on the voucher.
- Bring your WIC identification (ID) Packet every time you use a WIC voucher at the grocery store.
- Choose WIC approved foods in the amounts listed on your WIC vouchers.
- Separate your WIC foods from other foods you are buying.
- Hand your WIC check(s) and WIC ID packet to the cashier when you arrive at the checkstand.
- Sign the check after the cashier writes the amount of the purchase on the check.
- Your signature must match your WIC ID packet.
- Do not return WIC foods.
Special Food Letter
Foods not printed on the Authorized WIC Foods card may only be purchased if accompanied with a "Special Food Letter". You must speak with a WIC nutritionist to see if you qualify for a special food. The nutritionist will provide you with a Special Food Letter if approved. You must then take this letter with you to the store each time you use your WIC vouchers.
Problems Using WIC Vouchers
Lastly, it doesn't happen often, but sometimes there is a problem redeeming your WIC vouchers at the grocery store. If you ever have difficulty at the store, please call your clinic to report the problem. Store managers want WIC customers to shop at their stores, and they work well with our staff to make sure that your WIC transaction is taken care of quickly and courteously. Report problems so that they can be resolved and so that every WIC client can enjoy their shopping experience.
