RHODE ISLAND WIC

Does this guide show all the foods I am allowed to buy with WIC benefits?
No. The guide has a list of WIC-approved items. You may not qualify to buy all foods in the guide, because your benefits are based on your nutrition needs.
Example: Whole milk is on the list, but if you have a child age two or older you can only buy 1%, fat-free or non-fat milk for that child.

How do I use my eWIC card?

• Before scanning any of your foods, tell the cashier you are using an eWIC card.
• Give any coupons for your purchase to the cashier.
• Swipe your eWIC card through the card reader or hand your eWIC card to the cashier and enter your PIN (personal identification number).
• Be sure to swipe your eWIC card first, before any other forms of payment. You can pay any remaining balance with cash, EBT, SNAP, or other form of payment the store accepts.
• The cashier will give you a receipt. It shows your remaining benefit balance and the date benefits expire. Save your receipt.

Do I have to buy every item on my shopping list at one time?
You do not have to buy all your foods at one time. Buy what you need. When you buy foods, they are subtracted from your eWIC card balance.

When will my WIC benefits be available?
You can use them as soon as they are loaded on to your eWIC card. They are loaded onto your eWIC card on the First Date to Spend (FDTS). They expire at midnight on the Last Day to Spend (LDTS).

Can I use my eWIC card at any checkout lane?
It depends. Some stores have special checkout lanes for eWIC purchases. If you aren’t sure which lanes accept eWIC cards, ask the store customer service.

Do I have to separate WIC foods from other foods I’m buying?
No, but it is a good idea. You may also want to present any coupons first, so the cashier knows how to ring up your purchase.

What happens if I don’t buy all of my WIC foods this month? Will the benefits roll over to the next month?
Any benefits that are not used will expire on the Last Day to Spend (LDTS). They do not roll over and cannot be used later.

How do I check my benefit balance?
There are different ways to check your balance:

• Check your last store receipt
• Ask a store cashier or customer service desk to check your balance
• Call the customer service number or log in to the website listed on the back of your eWIC card

Can I change the foods listed on my shopping list?
You cannot make food changes at the store. WIC foods cannot be exchanged for other items. WIC foods cannot be returned to the store for cash or credit. If you have questions about your WIC Shopping List, contact your local WIC office.

What if I run out of food after I have used all of my WIC benefits?
The WIC foods you get are not meant to meet all of your nutrition needs. You will need to buy other foods on your own, including infant formula. Your local WIC office can help you find food assistance programs.

Why did the cashier tell me that the item I am trying to buy is not allowed using my eWIC card?
If a food is not allowed as an eWIC purchase, it might be because:

• You do not have enough benefits left
• It is not on your WIC Shopping List
• It is not a Rhode Island WIC-eligible food

If this happens, keep your receipt. Take a photo of the food and barcode or use the WICShopper app to send information to the State WIC Office.

What should I do if I have problems at the grocery store?
If you have a problem at the grocery store, ask to talk with the store manager. If the problem cannot be solved at the store, call your local WIC office. Tell them about your concerns.
The WIC office may ask for:

• Store name and location
• Date, time, and details of the incident
• Food item description
• Copy of store receipt

When paying for your purchases, use your eWIC card first.

Does this food guide list all foods approved by WIC?
This food guide does not list all WIC-approved foods.

• To identify WIC-approved foods, some stores use “Rhode Island WIC approved” shelf tags.
• To make sure an item is WIC approved, go to the WICShopper app and use Scan barcode.

Where can I use my eWIC card?
You can use your eWIC card only at authorized vendors in Rhode
Island. For an updated list of State-authorized vendors:

• Ask your local WIC agency staff
• Visit www.health.ri.gov/wic
• Go to the WICShopper app and select WIC stores

What should I do with my eWIC card after I use all my benefits for the month?
Keep your eWIC card. You will use the same eWIC card every month for your WIC benefits.
Keep your card safe. Keep the black strip clean and free from scratches. Keep the card away from cell phones, magnets, and hot places like car dashboards so it doesn’t stop working.