The Click & Collect model is a three-step process for placing a WIC grocery order online, then picking it up and paying for it at the store. This model for online ordering could be an opportunity, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, to address certain challenges to WIC shopping and benefit redemption. A pilot study in Tennessee found that this online ordering model was feasible and acceptable to both WIC participants and WIC vendor staff, as well as sustainable and scalable. This brief presents findings from the study and suggestions from WIC participants and grocery retailer staff to improve the Click & Collect model. It describes opportunities for online ordering to address challenges to WIC shopping and benefit redemption, and issues for researchers and retailers to consider when implementing WIC online ordering in their community.
Published: June 2021
Publisher: Healthy Eating Research
Authors: Zimmer MC, Kovalsky E, Anderson Steeves E
Keywords: Grocery store, Supermarket, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Focus Area: Nutrition Policy & Programs
Age Groups: Pregnant women, infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 2), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
Resource Type: Research Brief
State: Tennessee
Related Research
November 2025
Informing equitable implementation of SNAP food restriction waivers
SNAP is the largest federally funded nutrition assistance program in the U.S., providing support to more than 40 million Americans. This study aims to provide tangible information, insights, and resources grounded in SNAP participants’ preferences and feedback to support the implementation and communication of SNAP Food Restriction waivers, minimizing barriers to SNAP participation and benefit MoreNovember 2025
Forecasting WIC funding needs: Supporting families, strengthening access
WIC serves more than 50% of all infants born in the U.S. The goal of this study is to build a forecasting model to estimate national WIC funding needs under various policy and economic conditions through fiscal year 2027. The model will also be designed to allow for updates to forecast funding needs for future MoreSeptember 2025