Can I Use My NY WIC Card in Another State While on Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a vacation outside of New York and wondering if you can use your WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) card? The answer is yes, but there are some things to keep in mind.

What is WIC?

WIC is a federal assistance program that provides healthy food and nutrition education to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to the age of five. The program aims to improve the health of low-income families by providing them with essential nutrients that may be lacking in their diets.

Can I Use My NY WIC Card in Another State?

Yes, you can use your NY WIC card in any state as long as it’s a WIC-approved store. However, the foods that are authorized for purchase may vary from state to state. Each state has its own list of approved foods based on local dietary needs and preferences.

How to Find WIC-Approved Stores in Another State

Before you travel, it’s important to find out which stores accept WIC vouchers in the state you’re visiting. You can search for approved stores on the USDA website or by calling the local WIC agency of the state you’re visiting.

What Do I Need to Bring?

When traveling out of state with your WIC card, make sure to bring your ID and your WIC folder with you. The folder contains important information about the foods that are authorized for purchase under the program.

What If I Run Out of Benefits While on Vacation?

If you run out of benefits while on vacation, don’t worry. You can transfer benefits from your home state to another state by visiting a local WIC agency in person or by calling them. They will inform you about the process and what documents need to be provided.

The Bottom Line

In summary, you can use your NY WIC card in another state as long as it’s a WIC-approved store. It’s important to research which stores accept WIC vouchers in advance and bring your WIC folder and ID with you. If you run out of benefits while on vacation, you can transfer them to another state by contacting the local WIC agency.

Final Thoughts

WIC is an essential program that provides much-needed assistance to low-income families. If you’re planning a trip outside of New York, make sure to do your research beforehand and plan accordingly. With a little preparation, you can continue to receive the benefits of the program no matter where you are.