- Accepting eWIC payments can help small businesses grow their customer base and increase sales.
- eWIC makes buying healthy food at local stores easier for low-income families.
- Small businesses that take eWIC stand out from competitors and support their community.
Introduction
Small businesses always look for ways to grow. Accepting eWIC payments offers a great chance to do just that. This guide explains eWIC, its benefits, and why your small business should consider it.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helped 42.1 million people monthly in FY 2023. This number represents 12.6% of the U.S. population across 50 states and Washington, DC.
SNAP, the largest nutrition assistance program in the country, uses about two-thirds of USDA’s food and nutrition budget. Eligible households get monthly benefits on an electronic card to buy food at approved stores. SNAP use varies by state.
New Mexico had the highest participation at 23.1%, while Utah had the lowest at 4.6%. Most states (34) fell between 8% and 16%. The USDA reported that factors like population demographics, program management, and economic conditions affect these rates.
Understanding eWIC
| WIC Eligible Foods | WIC Ineligible Foods |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Soda and Sugary Drinks |
| Whole Grains | Candy and Sweets |
| Dairy | Chips and Snack Foods |
| Protein | Prepared Foods |
| Infant Foods | Bakery Items |
| Juice | Deli Meats |
| Cereal | Non-Food Items |
| Beans and Lentils | Pet Food |
| Tofu | Alcohol and Tobacco |
| Whole Wheat Tortillas | Vitamins and Supplements |
What is eWIC?
eWIC stands for Electronic Women, Infants, and Children. It’s a modern version of the WIC program. WIC helps low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children get nutritious food. eWIC uses an electronic card instead of paper vouchers.
The eWIC card works like a debit card. Users can buy specific healthy foods with it. These include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole-grain products
- Milk and cheese
- Eggs
- Infant formula and baby food
- Cereal
- Peanut butter
- Beans
Knowing about eWIC helps business owners see how it can help their stores.
How eWIC Differs from Traditional WIC
eWIC has several advantages over old paper vouchers:
- It’s easier for customers and stores to use.
- Payments happen faster than with paper vouchers.
- There are fewer mistakes in transactions.
- It offers more privacy for users.
- Stores get paid quickly.
These changes make eWIC better for everyone involved.
Benefits of Accepting eWIC
Increased Customer Base
Accepting eWIC can bring more customers to your store. Many families rely on WIC benefits. If you take eWIC, these families will likely shop with you. This can lead to:
- More foot traffic in your store
- A wider range of customers
- Potential for these customers to buy non-WIC items, too
Enhanced Customer Loyalty
When you accept eWIC, you show support for your community, which can create loyal customers. People who use WIC often shop regularly; if you make it easy for them, they’ll keep coming back. Happy customers often tell others about good experiences, bringing even more people to your store.
Competitive Advantage
Not all stores accept eWIC. If you do, you stand out from your competition. You become a go-to place for WIC users. This edge can help your business grow and succeed in a crowded market.
Economic Impact
Boost in Sales
Taking eWIC can increase your sales. WIC users need to buy specific items regularly. This means steady, reliable income for your business. Plus, when people come in for WIC items, they buy other things. This can significantly boost your overall sales.
Community Support
When you accept eWIC, you help families in need and ensure children get proper nutrition. This support strengthens your local community, can improve your business’s reputation, and can create goodwill among customers.
Implementation and Compliance
Steps to Accept eWIC
Want to start accepting eWIC? Here’s how:
- Contact your state’s WIC agency.
- Apply to become an authorized WIC vendor.
- Get the right equipment, like a Point of Sale (POS) system that works with eWIC.
- Train your staff on eWIC procedures.
- Set up your inventory system to track WIC-approved items.
Compliance and Regulations
Accepting eWIC comes with rules. You must:
- Only sell WIC-approved items with eWIC payments
- Keep prices for WIC items the same as for other customers
- Never give cash back on eWIC purchases
- Keep good records of all eWIC transactions
- Allow inspections by WIC officials
Following these rules keeps your business in good standing with the WIC program.
Conclusion
Accepting eWIC offers many benefits for small businesses. It can attract more customers, increase loyalty, and give you an edge over competitors. It can also help your community and boost your sales. While there are steps and rules to follow, the potential rewards are worth considering. If you want to grow your business and serve your community better, accepting eWIC could be a smart move.
Save more with NRS Double Play: Combine EBT Unlimited ($49.95/month for unlimited free EBT transactions) with eWIC for the best value and simplest payment processing.
