Online Shopping in WIC

The WIC Online Ordering and Transactions and Food Delivery Revisions to Meet the Needs of a Modern, Data-Driven Program final rule was published on Nov. 6, 2026. This rule provides a pathway for state agencies to adopt modern, secure payment technologies so families have access to the healthy, real foods prescribed in their WIC food packages. The rule enables state agencies to leverage technology to improve both the shopping experience for WIC participants and strengthen oversight to help prevent fraud and protect program funds. Once the rule becomes effective on Dec. 7, 2026, state agencies will have the option to authorize retailers to accept WIC benefits online without using waivers.

Through a cooperative agreement with FNA, the Center for Nutrition and Health Impact (CNHI) has supported state agencies with standing up waiver-supported WIC online shopping projects. From these experiences, CNHI developed targeted resources to support all WIC state agencies interested in online shopping, available at WICShop+.

Questions and Answers

Why are we revising the WIC regulations to support online shopping?

In support of USDA’s priorities for nutrition programs, the WIC online shopping final rule:

• Prioritizes customer service and supports state agency innovation, so families have access to the healthy, real foods prescribed in their WIC food packages.
• Leverages technology to improve both the shopping experience for WIC participants and the administrative aspects of operating WIC for states and vendors.
• Protects WIC participants and taxpayers by expanding state agency oversight methods and laying the groundwork that will ensure the security of WIC transactions for years to come.
• Provides a pathway for WIC state agencies to adopt modern, secure payment technologies as the marketplace innovates.
• Modernizes WIC with the same focus on security and accountability expected in today’s digital marketplace, using secure transaction technologies, retailer oversight, and electronic benefit transfer (EBT) data insights to help prevent fraud and protect program funds.

How is the rule changing WIC regulations?

The final rule removes regulatory barriers to online shopping that require WIC transactions to occur in person and WIC vendors to have a fixed, physical location. It also creates safeguards for state agencies to innovate and modernize while maintaining program integrity. The rule also supports the program’s complete transition to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) by streamlining and modernizing certain WIC food delivery regulations and introduces measures that use new, secure technologies for food purchasing.

How will the rule enhance WIC program integrity?

The final rule reinforces USDA’s commitment to program integrity by protecting both WIC participants and WIC funding by leveraging modern, secure payment technology and available electronic benefit data (EBT) data.

How did we develop these changes?

We developed the proposed rule using materials developed by a variety of WIC stakeholders, including the Blueprint for WIC Online Shopping Projects and the Task Force on Supplemental Foods Delivery Recommendations Report. During the public comment period for the proposed rule, we received more than 1,600 comments from WIC state and local agencies, WIC participants, health care professionals, industry partners, and many others. Along with this feedback, experiences and lessons learned from waiver-supported online shopping projects all informed the final rule.

When does the rule go into effect?

The rule will become effective on Dec. 7, 2026. At this point, state agencies may begin to implement the updated regulations. Some provisions in the rule require all state agencies to make changes to their operations. These must be implemented by Feb. 4, 2027. Otherwise, the rule introduces new options to support WIC modernization.

Will the same WIC-authorized foods be available online as in store?

All WIC vendors are required to stock a minimum variety and quantity of authorized foods. Therefore, just like shopping in person, participants will be able to choose from a variety of healthy, nutritious foods when they shop online. And, just as in-store, participants can only use their WIC benefits to purchase the foods they have been prescribed in their food package.

What modernization options are now permanently available to all state agencies?

This rule makes online shopping, mobile pay, and remote benefit issuance permanent options for WIC State agencies. As with any change to program operations, state agencies must submit and receive approval of any updated policies, procedures, and state plan amendments that capture resulting changes to food delivery operations before implementation.

Once the rule is implemented will every WIC participant be able to shop online?

This rule creates the option for WIC state agencies to allow online shopping for their participants. Whether a WIC participant can shop online with their WIC benefits depends on whether their state agency decides to use this option and on the service areas of authorized internet vendors. State agencies that decide to offer online shopping will provide participants with information on how to use their WIC benefits online. Participants should contact their state agency for more information on WIC online shopping in their area.

How does the rule affect modernization waivers previously issued under temporary waiver authority?

The final rule makes permanent many of the food delivery options that were previously only possible under modernization waivers. This includes online shopping, remote benefit issuance, and mobile pay. With the final rule, state agencies no longer need waivers to offer these options.

Will there be a cost to WIC participants to shop online?

As is the case with fees for in-person purchases (e.g., bag fees), participants cannot use their WIC benefits to pay for fees associated with online purchases (e.g., delivery and service fees).

Are you accepting comments on the final rule?

We are accepting comments on one provision in this final rule. Specifically, we are requesting input on the impact on stakeholders if state agencies were required to allow the use of returned electronic benefits beyond the last date of use. Comments may be submitted until January 5, 2027 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. We appreciate specific, detailed comments and will use this feedback to inform potential future rulemaking on the return of electronic benefits.

Comparing the Final and Proposed Rules

Allows vendors and WIC shoppers to complete internet-based transactions.

Summary of Requirements Before Changes	Summary of Proposed Revisions	Summary of Final Revisions Based on Public Comment
Single provisions combined requirements for both paper food instruments and EBT cards or provisions did not discuss EBT transactions.	Clarify which vendor agreement provisions apply only to paper food instruments and modernize the purchase price provision to be inclusive of EBT transactions.	Finalize as proposed.
WIC shoppers were required to sign paper food instruments in the presence of a cashier.	Remove the requirement that WIC shoppers must sign printed food instruments in the presence of a cashier.	Finalize as proposed.
For EBT systems, WIC shoppers were required to enter a personal identification number (PIN) in lieu of a signature in the presence of a cashier.	Remove the requirement to use a PIN in lieu of a signature.	Finalize as proposed.
No existing regulatory language.	Create new provisions to allow WIC state agencies to explore and identify options to authenticate EBT transactions and require vendors, farmers, and farmers’ markets to authenticate EBT transactions in accordance with state agency policy.	Modify to remove reference to Department standards that are not yet published.

Creates new types of vendors and modernizes the definition of “vendor” to be inclusive of new vendor types.

Summary of Requirements Before Changes	Summary of Proposed Revisions	Summary of Final Revisions Based on Public Comment
No existing regulatory language.	Create a new definition for “brick-and-mortar vendor.”	Finalize as proposed.
No existing regulatory language.	Create a new definition for “internet vendor.”	Modify to clarify the transactions at each internet vendor must be assigned to that internet vendor.
State agencies could only authorize mobile stores to meet specific needs, as justified in their state plan.	Create a new definition for “mobile vendor.”	Modify to clarify the transactions at mobile vendors must be assigned to that specific vendor.
The definition of “above-50-percent vendor” was written for an environment with only one type of vendor.	Update the definition of “above-50-percent vendor” to be applicable to all vendor types.	Finalize as proposed.
The definition of “vendor” required vendors to have a single, fixed location.	Modernize the current definition of “vendor” by removing the requirement that vendors must have a single fixed location, simplifying the definition of vendor, and clarifying that all vendors must be authorized separately.	Modify to remove the reference to SNAP and clarify each entity must be separately authorized.
State agencies could only authorize mobile stores to meet specific needs, as justified in their state plan.	Remove a clause in the definition of “vendor” requiring a special needs justification for mobile vendors and remove associated language from the state plan requirements.	Finalize as proposed.

Allows vendors to return electronic benefits to a participant’s benefit balance.

Summary of Requirements Before Changes	Summary of Proposed Revisions	Summary of Final Revisions Based on Public Comment
Vendors were prohibited from providing refunds or exchanges of any type, including the return of electronic benefits to a participant’s benefit balance.	Clarify that cash refunds are still prohibited and update the exchange policy to accommodate recalls, ensuring that WIC shoppers are treated the same as other customers in the event of a recall.	Modify the refunds provision to clarify the different types of cash refunds that are prohibited and modify the exchange provision to reflect changes from the Implementation of the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 and Related Provisions Final Rule by clearly defining a supplemental food recall in 7 CFR 246.2.
No existing regulatory language.	Allow for the return of electronic benefits to a participant’s balance when items in an online order are not fulfilled and for the use of returned electronic benefits.	Modify to allow returns for purchases that took place at any vendor type, not just online orders.
State agencies could not extend benefits last date of use (LDTU).	Require state agencies to provide participants with no less than seven (7) days to transact returned electronic benefits, which could go beyond the LDTU.	Modify to clarify that state agencies must allow participants to use returned electronic benefits through the end of the benefit issuance month. Make the use of returned electronic benefits after the last date of use (LDTU) a state agency option and set a maximum of seven (7) days for benefit use beyond the LDTU. The Department is requesting comment on the impacts this would have on stakeholders and their systems if this flexibility were to be a requirement.

Allows state agencies to develop virtual methods of oversight.

Summary of Requirements Before Changes	Summary of Proposed Revisions	Summary of Final Revisions Based on Public Comment
Routine monitoring visits and compliance buys were required to occur on site.	Update the definitions of “routine monitoring” and “compliance buy” to remove the on-site requirement.	Finalize as proposed.
Preauthorization visits were required to occur on site.	Introduce virtual visits as an allowable type of preauthorization visit.	Finalize as proposed.

Prohibits vendors, farmers, or farmers’ markets from charging state agencies fees associated with WIC purchases.

Summary of Requirements Before Changes	Summary of Proposed Revisions	Summary of Final Revisions Based on Public Comment
No existing regulatory language.	Prohibit vendors, farmers or farmers markets from charging state agencies fees associated with WIC purchases and permit WIC shoppers to pay such fees.	Modify to apply the prohibition to all fees associated with a WIC purchase (e.g., delivery, service, convenience, bag fees) for any vendor type, not just online shopping fees, to ensure consistent treatment of all vendor types.
Allowable food and nutrition services and administration costs were written for an environment without online shopping and delivery options in a retail food delivery system.	Clarify costs associated with home food delivery and direct distribution to ensure state agencies still pay for the cost of transporting food under these two food delivery systems.	Modify to further clarify that food funds can be used to pay for the cost of transporting foods in home food delivery and direct distribution but cannot be used in retail food delivery systems.

Permits the remote issuance of electronic benefits to a participant’s benefit balance.

Summary of Requirements Before Changes	Summary of Proposed Revisions	Summary of Final Revisions Based on Public Comment
Participants were required to pick up food instruments in person when scheduled for a WIC appointment.	Allow the remote issuance of electronic benefits by separating the benefit issuance provisions for paper food instruments and cash-value vouchers from electronic benefit issuance and updating signature requirements.	Modify to ensure state agencies have procedures for recipient proof of receipt to ensure program integrity measures, and to clarify that signatures are required only when benefits are received in-person.
No existing regulatory language to define “electronic benefits.” There was no separate definition for “cash-value benefits.”	Create new definitions of “electronic benefits,” “cash-value benefit,” and “cash-value voucher” to reflect a modern WIC program.	Finalize as proposed.

Expands the definition of food instrument and allows state agencies to use more than one food instrument type.

Summary of Requirements Before Changes	Summary of Proposed Revisions	Summary of Final Revisions Based on Public Comment
The definition of food instrument only allowed EBT cards to be used for electronic benefit access.	Expand the definition of “food instrument” to include electronic benefit access devices or technology beyond the EBT card.	Finalize as proposed.
Food instruments were required to be uniform within each food delivery system. EBT was defined as a food delivery system, rather than a benefit delivery method.	Allow state agencies to develop and test new WIC food instrument types. Clarify uniform food delivery systems and system combinations. Clarify that EBT is a benefit delivery method, not a food delivery system.	Modify to clarify that state agencies can have more than one food instrument type within a food system at a time.

Removes the shelf price collection requirement.

Summary of Requirements Before Changes	Summary of Proposed Revisions	Summary of Final Revisions Based on Public Comment
State agencies were required to collect vendor shelf prices at least every six months to monitor cost competitiveness or request an exemption.	Remove the requirement for state agencies to collect shelf price data, as EBT data are a sufficient replacement.	Modify to clarify that state agencies can use existing EBT data for vendors applying for re-authorization.

Updates delivery location options for non-retail, home food delivery systems.

Summary of Requirements Before Changes	Summary of Proposed Revisions	Summary of Final Revisions Based on Public Comment
Home food delivery contractors were required to deliver supplemental foods to participant residences.	Allow state agencies using a non-retail, home food delivery system to ship supplemental foods to a location designated by participants and approved by the state agency.	Modify to allow state agencies to confirm delivery location of supplemental foods as an additional measure of program integrity.

Accordion Revises reporting requirements to align with current practices.

Summary of Requirements Before Changes	Summary of Proposed Revisions	Summary of Final Revisions Based on Public Comment
Reporting requirements were outdated and did not specify certain data elements.	Update the reporting requirements for WIC food delivery systems, including the timing of reporting and information required.	Modify to remove the proposed requirement for quarterly submissions, maintaining the current annual minimum.

Provisions Not Finalized

Summary of Proposed Revision	Summary of Final Revisions Based on Public Comment
Extend vendor application and agreement periods from three to five years.	We will not finalize as proposed; no change to current provision.
Increase the staffing standards for the position of the WIC Food Delivery Coordinator.	We will not finalize as proposed; no change to current provision. State agencies may optionally implement more stringent standards at the state level.
Add staffing standards to create a WIC Quality Improvement Coordinator.	We will not finalize as proposed; no change to current provision. State agencies may optionally implement more stringent standards at the state level.
The Department requested comment on whether there is a need to authorize vendors that sell a specific subset of supplemental foods (e.g., dairies, bakeries, produce sellers) but would not meet the minimum variety and quantity of supplemental foods, as required by WIC regulations.	Due to feedback received discussing concerns related to cost containment, program integrity, and the impact on small vendors, the Department will not allow exceptions to minimum stocking requirements for authorizing specialty vendors in this rulemaking.