Limited Access to Healthy Food Puts Strain on Families as Stores Opt Out of Government Program

In the struggle to find stores that accept federal food benefits for low-income families, many children are being forced to forgo essential items like fresh produce and milk.

The decline in the number of stores participating in the US government's food program is leaving millions of people, who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women and Children (WIC), without access to nutritious options.

Bianca Williams, a Milwaukee resident and mother to seven children, including two infants, has experienced firsthand the challenges of finding stores that accept WIC benefits or offer quality produce.

With her closest Walmart closing in 2016, Williams finds it increasingly difficult to utilize the program. "Sometimes, to be honest, I don't even use it," she admits, due to the inconvenience of finding a vendor that accepts WIC.

Unlike food stamps, WIC-approved items cannot be purchased online, making access to essential items even more limited. While a few states are working on pilot programs to enable online WIC purchases, the complex requirements of the program deter smaller stores and even some major grocers from participating.

Over the past five years, many vendors have left the program or shut down during the pandemic, resulting in a net loss of 353 vendors in Pennsylvania alone.

The limitations of the WIC program have a disproportionate impact on smaller stores that serve community members in need. According to the National Grocers Association, participating in WIC is not always financially advantageous for these independent stores. Some even incur losses by participating in the program.

The transition from paper vouchers to electronic benefits, known as eWIC, has helped streamline the process for shoppers. However, some stores, like Food Fresh in rural Claxton, Georgia, find the eWIC system time-consuming and challenging to navigate at the register.

Despite the frustrations, store owner Michael Gay remains committed to offering WIC-approved products because he understands the importance of providing for those in need.

Even national chains like Aldi, Trader Joe's, and Target have limitations when it comes to accepting WIC. For various reasons, including brand and size criteria, these retailers are not able to fully participate in the program.

Limited shelf space is another obstacle faced by smaller stores, preventing them from meeting the minimum stocking requirements set by WIC.

The lack of accessibility to WIC-approved items not only presents a challenge for families, but it also highlights an equity issue. The inability for WIC participants to buy groceries online, like their counterparts using SNAP benefits, further exacerbates the problem.

The USDA is currently reviewing comments on a proposed rule that aims to remove barriers to online WIC shopping.

Addressing the declining number of WIC vendors is crucial, particularly in rural areas where the impact is most pronounced. States like Louisiana and New Hampshire are working on recruitment plans to encourage more stores to participate in the program.

Finding a balance between vendor certification and convenience is essential, as food shopping should be accessible to all, regardless of income level or location.