Does Dollar General Accept WIC in 2024? (Full Guide)

With food inflation hitting 10% in 2022, every dollar counts for families enrolled in the WIC nutritional assistance program. Nearly 6.2 million low-income women, infants and children rely on WIC‘s package of healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. With the average monthly WIC benefit around $44 per person, participants want to maximize their benefits. This leads many to ask: can I use my WIC benefits at Dollar General?

A Small and Shrinking Number of Dollar General Locations Accept WIC

The short answer is yes, some Dollar General stores do accept WIC payments. However, WIC acceptance is decided on a store-by-store basis and is declining.

In 2022, only 965 Dollar General stores (5% of total locations) across 17 states were authorized WIC vendors. This number dropped from 1,375 WIC-approved stores in 2020 – a 30% decrease in two years.

The top five states with the most WIC-accepting Dollar General stores are:

Meanwhile, Dollar General does not allow WIC payment at any locations in high-population states like California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

This shrinking WIC acceptance points to Dollar General phasing out WIC support nationwide. As America‘s largest small-box discount retailer, Dollar General caters to many low-income shoppers who rely on programs like WIC. Removing WIC acceptance cuts off crucial support for their core customer base.

How to Find Dollar General Stores Accepting WIC

Because WIC acceptance at Dollar General varies dramatically by state and store, it‘s essential to verify ahead of shopping.

There are two easy ways to check if your local Dollar General takes WIC:

• Use the WIC Store Locator: Search online using the WIC Store Locator tool provided by the USDA. Enter your zip code and filter the results for Dollar General. However, note this locator relies on state health departments keeping their vendor lists updated. Call stores directly to double check.

• Call your local store: Find your nearest Dollar General through the Dollar General store locator. Call the store and ask the staff directly, "Do you accept WIC benefits at this location?" Ask them to check their point-of-sale system for WIC capability.

To save time, I recommend calling all Dollar General stores within convenient driving distance to check if any nearby accept WIC. If the first location says no, move on to contact the next nearest store.

Step-By-Step Guide to Using WIC at Dollar General

If you confirm your local Dollar General accepts WIC, here are step-by-step instructions to use your benefits:

1. Separate WIC-eligible purchases: As you shop, keep any items covered by WIC separate from other purchases. Leave non-WIC items in your cart while placing WIC items in a separate basket, or vice versa.

2. Checkout WIC items first: Unload your WIC items onto the conveyor belt first. Don‘t mix with non-WIC purchases yet.

3. Present WIC card: After the cashier scans all WIC items, present your WIC card or voucher. Say, "I want to use my WIC benefits for these items."

4. Enter PIN: When prompted, enter your 4-digit PIN number to authorize the WIC payment on that transaction.

5. Pay for non-WIC items: The amount for the WIC foods will be deducted from your account. Now you can pay for any other non-WIC groceries using cash, debit, or another form of payment.

6. Check receipt: Carefully review your receipt to ensure the WIC discount was applied accurately. Notify the cashier if any errors need to be corrected before leaving.

Following this process correctly ensures you get the full value of your eligible WIC foods without paying anything out of pocket.

What Foods Can You Buy With WIC at Dollar General?

If your local Dollar General accepts WIC, you can use your benefits to purchase any WIC-eligible foods and formulas. The national WIC foods list includes:

• Milk, cheese, yogurt, soy milk
• Eggs
• Breakfast cereal
• Juice
• Fresh, frozen, canned fruits and vegetables
• Bread, tortillas, rice, oats, pasta
• Peanut butter
• Canned fish or beans
• Infant cereal, baby food & formula

However, state WIC agencies have flexibility in tailoring approved foods based on local nutrition needs and food costs. For example, Alaska WIC covers smoked salmon but not tofu.

Check with your state health department or look on your WIC shopping guide to confirm which specific items are included in your state‘s WIC package. Dollar General must carry and identify all WIC-approved foods for that state to qualify as an authorized retailer.

Where Else Can You Use WIC Benefits?

If your area Dollar General does not accept WIC, don‘t worry. You still have countless grocery options that widely accept WIC across all locations.

Here are the top national and regional supermarket chains that take WIC at most stores:

Chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix prominently mark WIC-approved items on shelf labels, making shopping easier. Warehouse clubs tend to have fewer WIC signs, but still allow WIC payment at checkout.

Always confirm WIC acceptance directly with any store before you shop. Some locations that recently changed ownership may still be pending WIC authorization.

Maximize Your WIC Benefits with the Right Retailer

Trying to decide between using WIC at Dollar General versus another grocery chain? Here are a few factors to consider:

Dollar Stores

• ✅ Most items $1-5 for budget shopping
• ✅ Shop small each trip with limited selection
• ❌ Fewer healthy options than supermarkets
• ❌ Must check each store for WIC acceptance

Supermarkets

• ✅ All food groups for balanced diet
• ✅ Deals through loyalty programs
• ✅ WIC accepted at 90%+ locations
• ❌ Higher price points than dollar stores

Choosing to use your WIC benefits at a supermarket rather than Dollar General will allow you to get all of your essentials – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, dairy – while sticking to your monthly allowance. Just be sure to check for clipped coupons and loyalty card discounts to help your dollars stretch further at the grocery store.

The Bottom Line on WIC and Dollar General

While some Dollar General stores do allow WIC payment, acceptance is decreasing across the chain. Always call ahead or consult the WIC locator to confirm if your local DG takes WIC. For a wider selection and guaranteed acceptance, shop at major supermarkets like Walmart, Target, and Kroger instead. Focus on purchasing WIC-approved basics at the best value to maximize your family‘s monthly benefits.