November 17, 2011 | 8:00 AM | By

Why Aldi Doesn’t Accept WIC

Aldi representatives say the reason the discount grocer doesn’t accept WIC is because Aldi brands don’t qualify under the program guidelines, which provides grocery subsidies to low-income families. But products eligible under WIC differ state-to-state.


In D.C., “any brand or size” of plain, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables is WIC eligible. And in several states, store brands and the cheapest versions of foods are preferred by agencies. It’s odd that Aldi would use the store brand defense as a reason why they don’t qualify. More likely, is that the regulatory hoops companies have to jump through—things like standardizing sizes and meeting minimum inventory requirements—would make it too pricey of an endeavor.

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