WICShopper Reviews

by Gyubvdthb

The idea of WICShopper is great, but the functionality is not so much. I scan everything before putting it into my cart to make sure they are WIC-approved items but end up having to put most things back at checkout because they are not eligible- even though WICShopper reflects differently. This is not only inconvenient but also embarrassing.

Another issue has more to do with the benefits themselves. I've noticed specifically when scanning cereals that all of the sugar-loaded, chemical-filled cereals are covered, but the healthier options are not. I thought this was supposed to be a nutritional program? The size requirements are also ridiculous, especially with the current formula shortage. Why not be able to get a different sized item (ie larger can of formula) with an adjusted quantity?

by Jazzy83

WICShopper should have never launch in the state of PA. 1st I can’t even see what quantities of food I have on WICShopper . There’s no way to register my card with WICShopper . It only has a tab for cereal and vegetables amounts but not for the other foods. So basically I don’t have to run around with checks but I still have to run around with a piece of paper or receipts from my last shopping trip in order to remember what I need or if I still have available for my next trip. This is just more crap for steal storage space on my phone and clutter ones purse. I’m sure others can agree. WICShopper right now has no benefit to PA WIC participants. Also my I add that no one gave a proper demonstration on how to use WICShopper at the WIC office but that’s an other complaint. The website was very vague as well. Hope it improves.

by Sephora13

As much as would like to enjoy using my WIC APP man it’s stressful! The pictures don’t show! I always end up taking certain items out when getting to the cashier or at self checkout! I always end up spending so much time at the bread and milk area to see which is which. The pictures are the main problems for me. I don’t have the whole day to be checking codes and names of items before I can move on. And due to pictures issues not showing I get stressed out and tired! Also the formulas are very stressful to find. I mostly have to go to different stores to find the exact formulas! Like what if I didn’t have a car? Come on now! Please fix this issues. The only one that doesn’t give me a hard time is the the fruits and vegetables, I like the vegetable and fruits section due to the fact it shows you how much you got to spend and go for it. I wish it was like that for bread, milk and other stuffs instead of looking for codes, names, and trying to figure out which item is which. It will be a lot helpful if everything could be like the fruit and vegetable where it shows you how much you got to spend and go with your business. Please fix and update WICShopper. It’s not easy. Thank you

by EmcLedLlc

I find WICShopper really useful to do our shopping rather than the confusing guides WIC used to have.

My complaints are with WIC: We had Kern County in Kern CANCEL our account when we moved to Nevada, which they were supposed to transfer. I hope someone loses their job over that.

Next, many items I would expect WIC to cover are not or there are size limits which, in many grocery stores, make the process of buying food either impossible (out of stock or not stocked) or extremely difficult. WIC doesn’t cover teething snacks such as rice husks or gerber’s lil’ crunchies, which I’m currently having to buy on SNAP or out of pocket. Kinda defeats the purpose of the program, doesn’t it?

Next I have serious issue with my daughter’s benefits not automatically adjusting for her age, which we had to provide proof of when we registered. Why are we being required to schedule a lengthy appointment (where we are required to watch videos we already covered in birthing classes so it’s a complete waste of our time) just to have her benefits updated for her age?! My daughter shouldn’t be at 6 months and having WIC benefits of formula and breastfeeding foods, it should have updated without us having to call to change it the day she turned 6 months!

I shouldn’t have to rely on SNAP to get the items WIC should already authorize... I can buy $170 of formula at once but can’t buy $2.50 of teething snacks.

by Arr782

It would have been really great if WICShopper was available when I first used wic 14 years ago! I like how it tells us what is wic and what isn’t because not all stores post price range or stickers to say wic (or they fall off). One of the downfalls that I don’t like is when after you have shopped it doesn’t show what you’ve used in your benefits. Some may not keep the receipts of what’s remaining so it would be nice to see that her you bought your pound of cheese so that icon is greyed out or not there until next month. It just looks like it’s all still avail in WICShopper but it’s not. I’m not sure what the use of the calculator is for but it’s handy at times if you don’t feel like adding lol. WICShopper is a great concept and I know it’s new but can use a few tweaks.

by Back By Popular Demand 83

I’m glad that WIC has an app now compared to the checks which were used back then. It’s so much more convenient. I do however have an issue with WICShopper itself. First of all, being a mom, there are too many things to keep track of or if you ran out of something and there is another refill coming up on the 1st of the month (and it’s like the 2nd or 3rd) WICShopper /items don’t update quick enough. Therefore, you have to purchase things (such as baby formula which you desperately need) with your own money or someone else’s money. No matter how many times you hit the “update” icon at the top, it’s still stuck on the last items you bought. By the time you see/realize the replenished amount, your on the 3 or 4 day.

by Mrs.stark.mitchell

If you need WICShopper chances are you’re a mom. It’s a likely bet you’ve done the struggle at the supermarket. In this case you know anything that can streamline your process and get you out that door quicker is everything. WICShopper has some problems from time to time, like all apps. Usually it’s working properly to allow me to know if the item in my hand is covered and available. For me that’s the biggest struggle. That being said, WIC is a pain no matter how you do it. So never rely on just an app when you have a tired toddler or a cholicy infant. Check before you get in the store that your app works and that your benefits are accurate. I’ve never had a problem with mine not being accurate but please lol don’t get in a bind.

by Worthj3

Great app. Makes shopping so much easier. One small suggestion with design, I often accidentally click the (x) instead of the back button. If I’m looking through recipes and press the (x) I’m all the way back to the beginning when all I really wanted was to see the next one. I realize it’s mostly my fault but I wonder if back and (x) switched spots? It wouldn’t be as annoying if the loading time was shorter. Overall, very useful, I appreciate the bar scanner so I don’t have to dig through my old folder in the middle of the store. Thanks

by Annoyed WIC User

Since the update I cannot see available benefits! Before the update I had no issues and loved WICShopper! Fix the glitch please! I did every thing I could possibly do to resolve it myself such as delete and add the card, and delete and add WICShopper and nothing fixed the problem.

*update*
Was contacted about the problem and now it's fixed. Now I can view benefits. WICShopper is incredibly useful. My only complaint is that I have trouble in most stores with loading speed and Sometimes it just won't load, but not sure that this issue could be fixed or that there can be an offline mode since that's the only way to access your info?

by Travel777

I love using the WIC app! I really like to be able to see what I’ve already received and what I have left to redeem for the month. I can shop more efficiently because I can scan the items with the scanner to make sure they are covered by WIC and it tells me the quantity I can get as well. The Life Hacks and recipes are nice to have at your fingertips. Another important feature is that I can check the status of my benefits to see when I need to call and renew them.
Thanks WIC! WICShopper makes everything so much easier!

by Xo_greengoddess

Honestly WICShopper has helped me in so many ways! No more scrambling though those wic vouchers and or paperwork just to see which benefits you have available. WICShopper makes it so easy, it shows all of the food items you are allowed to purchase for the month. It tracks your appointments, which I don’t know if anyone is like me but I am HORRIBLE with keeping track of when my next appointment is. It also, has the # and address for YOUR wic office so if you don’t have time to just google their number BAM it’s right there. Oh and I almost forgot to mention the fruit and veggie calculator- it’s kind-of tricky at first but once you get it down it’s awesome! There’s so many other things that WICShopper has helped me with! I hope y’all enjoy it as much as I do!

by This Name Was Also Taken.

First off let me start by saying WICShopper simplifies the process and makes shopping much easier. The only thing that would make it better is if after you scan a barcode and push back it went to the Camera rather than to the menu. The way it is now you have to select to scan a barcode and then when you’re done go back to the main menu and select scan a barcode again which is tedious. Other than that amazing five stars

by Easy/fun

Our foster baby started receiving WIC. So I downloaded WICShopper to help me keep track of what benefits he has and what’s left. This way when I get to the store and remember I have to get him a few things I don’t have to stand around and think... hm what does he have available, I can simply take out my phone and open WICShopper. Easy, convenient and helpful. There is just one feature I wish it had...and that’s a place where I put can look to see when the next appointment is. That would be helpful and not very hard to add I’m sure!

by SLB1214

WICShopper was great until it needed to be "updated". Now all I get is a white screen. Nothing loads. Sounds like I'm not the only one with this issue. I even uninstalled it, and reinstalled it. It worked one time but now it's back to not working and just showing a white screen. Bring back the old version so I can use WICShopper again!

***Update-- thank you for the new version! I can access WICShopper again with no issues (at least so far). Thank you for fixing the problem!

by Another Happy Mm

The this app app makes it so much easier to get the most out of this valuable nutrition program without the confusion. Can’t remember what benefits you have left this month? Push a button! The list is updated in real time. Don’t know if a certain product is in your benefits package? Scan the barcode and find out! The goal is making sure growing babies and children are getting the nutrition they need to thrive, and WICShopper makes it easier for parents and guardians to do just that.

by PHutchinson88

Going to the grocery store to gather WIC items is usually such a headache. Between not knowing if you're "allowed" to get certain items, to your child(ren) being completely fed up with how long Mommy is taking in the grocery store. With WICShopper, I am able to scan barcodes in the aisle, and verify if they are approved items. It cuts down checkout time, because I don't end up with any mistaken items. No more impatient people in line behind me, huffing and puffing because, "Oh God, it's a WIC person." 🙄

Thank you so much for WICShopper!! It has saved my sanity, and prevented many people in line behind me from getting yelled at. lol

by Jaimeaka

The wic office here got me right I. When I started taking care of my 2 yr niece and 6 month old nephew. They set the appointment up and I went in got both kids checked out and the real nice ladies explained everything to me and showed me WICShopper told me about it. People that are complaining on things wic can’t cover I just say be thankful for everything they do provide and there check ups are for your child’s healthy start of life so thank you all who work with wic of Iowa and every where I’m am great full for all the formula and other foods you provide and the other services you provide

by Hick505

Instead of having to track what benefits were used and which ones are still available for my foster daughter, I am able to just open WICShopper and it is very convenient!! I also live the ability to scan the food and the system telling me if it's covered or not. If it's not covered, it is supposed to tell me some suggestions … but this never works for me

There is also a section where you can look up recipes. You can filter by the meal you would like to make. What I would find helpful here is if you could filter based upon the WIC benefit (i.e. Yogurt). That way if you have extra of one thing and want to use it you could find a healthy recipe.

by Akmamaaa

I love WICShopper so much more than the checks! I was always embarrassed to get in line with the checks because it took so long. I always felt I was fumbling trying to figure everything out and to do that while there was a line was soooo stressful. I actually ended up getting off of WIC for close to 2 years because I didn’t want to go through that again. WICShopper & card changes everything!!! It makes it so much easier to track things & to check out, makes it so much simpler. WIC has helped me fill in the spots where we are running low on groceries but don’t get paid for awhile. Helps to supplement and get us though, thank you for getting the card & app WIC!!

by TeresaFenwick

As well as being a recipient of WIC, I also work at a grocery store. When the e-card first came out, there were some learning curves involved. I said to myself “there should be an app!” And looky here, there is! Best parts:
- It shows which benefits you have remaining and when they expire
- You can scan a product’s UPC and it will simply tell you yes or no if it qualifies
- If the UPC doesn’t qualify and you think it should, per WIC guidelines, you can submit a form right from WICShopper
- When you only have a certain amount of a benefit left, it will only show items that fall within the parameters (I.e. if you only 12 oz cereal left, it’s only showing 12 oz options)
- Click on a benefit and it will tell you which products are options

Other nice features that I have yet to utilize:
- recipes using items from benefits
- produce calculator
- farmers market locator
- nutrition education

I can’t say enough good things about WICShopper. It is so helpful.

by Smyligerl

Thanks for launching WICShopper -this is a relief for not having to carry the food list all around, but
It’s frustrating not being able to read the product names on said shopping list. I’ve tried zoom, but nothing really works. So when I saw that on the hard copy there was a granola available, we sang hooray! Granola with yogurt is one of our favorite breakfast staples! We don’t care for any other cold cereals. Mostly oatmeal and granola, here...we were at the store (make that three different stores), none of which had allowable granola...and I’m trying to show the stock person my screen, and neither of us can make out the name of the listed granola because it’s sooooo tiny!
Also, it would be great if we could type in our fruit/veggie amount in the calculator, rather than the linear scale, and plus & minus. Takes forever to zero in on exact allowed amount.
If WICShopper were more personalized, like a bank account or EBT app, we could see in real time our balances etc without having to take a pic of the last receipt every time.
Glad it was launched-looking forward to improvements!

by 0live0yl

I like WICShopper for the most part. It's very easy to use, and makes wic shopping less tedious. I love having a debit card over the paper checks. However, there are a few things I don't like about WICShopper. When I scan some items, they don't show up correctly. When I scan the baby cereal, it shows that 6 boxes are allowed when I know it's really only 3. Also eggs and some frozen juice from Smith's, and Smith's brand milk, when scanned say covered. However, when checking out, these items are not covered. I was told today that Smith's brand milk is never covered even though it's in WICShopper as a wic allowed product.

by Tiptoemoney

From scheduling my appointment over phone to going in for appointment and talking with staff learning about the program and installing the wic app have all been successful I truly appreciate it WICShopper is very much helpful and thoughtful I was on wic back in 2007 and it was paper voucher time has really changed in a good way I’m now 12weeks in first trimester it’s been a while lol but the current wic program has been so helpful and easy thanks to WICShopper whole program and staff for all you guys do I truly appreciate it I give five stars lol

by Amandaa91

Within the past few months I assume it has been under maintenance for better app guidance. When I first started using it in February versus September, so much changed and it has been even easier to use. Before, not many photos were available for guidance, now there are more photos. When I click on each item benefit tell tell me which ones are available, with a photo. That wasn’t shown before. App refreshes faster as well. I’m very happy with WICShopper. It saves so much time for me.

by JA122416

But it needs a little improvement in my opinion. I love WICShopper is a time saver, convenient, fast and easy to use but I would love it if you guys could add a section where it shows pictures of the things that are covered because sometimes it’s hard for me to find the stuff at the store by just the name maybe if I see the pictures it would be easier also instead of scanning every item I think it is and then not being it. Thanks though, I love WICShopper and what it provides!

by Nynunes7

Updated review* since the issues have been fixed, I have been able to use WICShopper . I love that I don't have to save my receipts as I can see all my benefits on WICShopper . I can scan items that I am not sure I can get and not have issues at checkout! WICShopper is great and I am glad that WIC took this route in creating a paperless system!

Old review* I love WICShopper , but it's not working with iOS 10. I don't save my receipts since I use WICShopper , but now I don't know what I have left. 😞