If you’re looking for help buying groceries, you may come across two of the most common programs: WIC and SNAP. While they both provide food assistance, they work in different ways and cover different types of foods. Understanding the difference between the two can help you apply for the right program—or even both.
WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children, and it’s designed specifically to support pregnant women, new moms, and young children. SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, sometimes called “food stamps,” and it helps households with low incomes stretch their food budget.
Both programs are important, but they don’t do the exact same thing. Here’s a closer look at how they compare.
Stay in the know about government benefits programs like WIC and SNAP by signing up for BenefitKarma.
Who qualifies for WIC vs. SNAP?
WIC (Women, Infants & Children): Eligibility is limited to pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. Applicants must meet income guidelines (usually up to 185% of the federal poverty line) and have a health or nutrition need, which is determined during a WIC appointment.
SNAP: Eligibility is based on household income and resources. Most households must have gross income below 130% of the federal poverty line, though rules can vary by state. Unlike WIC, there are no age restrictions; anyone in a qualifying household can receive SNAP.
What foods are covered by each program?
This is one of the biggest differences between WIC and SNAP:
WIC
Very specific, with a goal of supporting maternal and child nutrition. Foods typically include:
Milk, cheese, and yogurt
Cereal, bread, tortillas, and whole grains
Infant formula and baby food
Peanut butter, eggs, beans, and tofu
Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned, within guidelines)
Juice (100% fruit or vegetable, in limited amounts)
Each state manages its own WIC food list, but all focus on items with strong nutrition benefits.
SNAP
Much broader. You can buy most foods meant for people to eat at home:
Milk, cheese, and yogurt
Cereal, bread, tortillas, and whole grains
Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned, within guidelines)
Peanut butter, eggs, beans, and tofu
Juice (100% fruit or vegetable, in limited amounts)
Infant formula and baby food
Special infant formulas and medical nutrition products prescribed for babies, children, or breastfeeding mothers
SNAP does not cover hot prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, or non-food items.
How benefits are delivered
WIC: Participants receive an electronic benefits card (like an EBT card) that works at authorized grocery stores and sometimes at farmers markets. The card is preloaded with specific food items that can be purchased each month.
SNAP: Households receive a monthly dollar amount on an EBT card. They can use it like a debit card at most grocery stores, convenience stores, and many farmers markets. SNAP gives more flexibility than WIC, since you can choose from a wider range of eligible foods.
Can you have both WIC and SNAP?
Yes! Many families qualify for both programs at the same time. WIC is meant to supplement SNAP, not replace it, by targeting foods that are especially important for mothers and young kids. Having both can help stretch your food budget and make sure your family’s nutrition needs are covered.
Which one should you apply for?
Apply for WIC if you’re pregnant, recently had a baby, or have children under 5.
Apply for SNAP if your household is struggling to afford groceries, no matter your age or family makeup.
Applying for both is often the best choice if you qualify.
And if you need more help, here's How to Sign Up for WIC and How to Sign Up for EBT.