The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened the door to using WIC benefits online. On November 6, 2026, through its Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA), it published a final rule in the Federal Register that eliminates barriers to online purchases with WIC benefits, including the current prohibition on authorizing internet-based vendors.
Why it matters: for families with babies and young children, shopping without going to the store can be a huge convenience. But it's not automatic: each state's WIC agency decides whether to offer online shopping and how, so it depends on your state. In fiscal year 2025, WIC served an average of 6.9 million participants per month. It is administered by 88 state agencies, including tribal organizations and territories like Puerto Rico.
The rule takes effect on December 7, 2026. State agencies have until February 4, 2027, to comply with most provisions, such as updating vendor agreements and procedures, and until November 6, 2028, to allow electronic benefit refunds when a product is returned. States can implement most changes at their own pace.
WIC federal funds cannot be used to pay delivery, service, convenience, or bag fees. Participants can pay them with another form of payment, as long as they are charged equally to non-WIC customers. Vendors also cannot charge them to the state agency. The USDA estimates that an average online grocery order will have around $10.66 in delivery and service fees in 2027.
Source: USDA, final rule on WIC online shopping, Federal Register (2026-22679). Data consulted on November 9, 2026.
