To accept WIC in your store, you’ll need to register as an authorized WIC vendor with the state or local WIC agency. This typically involves completing an application and providing documentation such as a business license and proof of insurance. Once approved, you’ll be able to accept WIC vouchers and redeem them for eligible food items. Customers using WIC will present a WIC voucher at checkout, and you’ll need to verify their eligibility and the amount of benefits available. You’ll then deduct the value of the food items purchased from the voucher and provide the balance to the customer. Participation in WIC can help increase sales and attract WIC customers to your store.
## WIC Eligibility and Participant Guidelines
To accept WIC in your store, you must ensure that participants meet the eligibility requirements and follow the program guidelines.
### WIC Eligibility
* **Income Guidelines:** Participants must meet the income guidelines set by the USDA. Income limits vary based on family size.
* **Nutritional Risk:** Participants must be identified as at nutritional risk by a healthcare professional. This evaluation considers factors such as height, weight, and diet.
* **Categorical Eligibility:** Some categories of individuals are automatically eligible for WIC, such as infants, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women up to one year postpartum.
### Participant Guidelines
When redeeming WIC benefits in your store, participants must follow the following guidelines:
* **Product Restrictions:** Participants can only purchase specific food items that are approved by the WIC program.
* **Quantity Restrictions:** WIC benefits are limited to certain quantities of each approved item.
* **Authorization:** Participants must present an active WIC EBT card or a paper voucher for authorization.
* **Identification:** Participants may be required to provide additional forms of identification, such as a driver’s license or Social Security card.
* **Time Restrictions:** WIC benefits expire on a specific date. Participants must redeem their benefits before the expiration date.
| Family Size | Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $25,625 |
| 2 | $34,950 |
| 3 | $44,275 |
| 4 | $53,600 |
| 5 | $62,925 |
WIC Vendor Certification Process
To accept WIC in your store, you must become a WIC-authorized vendor. The process varies slightly from state to state, but the general steps are as follows:
- Contact your local WIC agency to obtain an application form.
- Complete the application form and return it to the WIC agency.
- The WIC agency will review your application and conduct an inspection of your store.
- If your store meets the WIC standards, you will be issued a WIC vendor certificate.
Once you are a WIC-authorized vendor, you can accept WIC vouchers from WIC participants. To redeem a WIC voucher, you must:
- Verify the participant’s WIC ID card.
- Check the voucher to make sure it is valid.
- Accept the voucher for the authorized food items.
- Provide the participant with a receipt for the transaction.
You can also use the following table to help you understand the WIC vendor certification process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Contact your local WIC agency to obtain an application form. |
| 2 | Complete the application form and return it to the WIC agency. |
| 3 | The WIC agency will review your application and conduct an inspection of your store. |
| 4 | If your store meets the WIC standards, you will be issued a WIC vendor certificate. |
| 5 | Accept WIC vouchers from WIC participants. |
| 6 | Verify the participant’s WIC ID card. |
| 7 | Check the voucher to make sure it is valid. |
| 8 | Accept the voucher for the authorized food items. |
| 9 | Provide the participant with a receipt for the transaction. |
WIC Reimbursement Procedures
As a store owner, accepting the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can be a valuable way to expand your customer base and support your community. Wic provides benefits to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children under five. These benefits include vouchers and checks that can be used to purchase specific food items at authorized stores, such as yours.
To accept WIC, you must first become an authorized WIC vendor. This process varies from state to state, but generally involves submitting an application to your local WIC agency. Once you are approved, you will receive a WIC vendor ID number. You will also need to post a sign in your store indicating that you accept WIC.
- The WIC reimbursement process is straightforward.
- When a customer uses WIC vouchers or checks to make a purchase, you will need to collect the following information:
- Customer’s name
- Customer’s WIC ID number
- Date of purchase
- Amount of purchase
- Type of food items purchased
- Keep clear and accurate records of all WIC transactions.
- Submit your reimbursement claims on time.
- Follow all WIC program guidelines and regulations.
- Fresh: apples, bananas, carrots, celery, lettuce, oranges, pears, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes
- Frozen: broccoli, green beans, peas, strawberries
- Canned: corn, peaches, pears, pineapple
Requirements
- To accept WIC, you must be a retail food store that sells WIC-eligible foods.
- You must have a valid WIC vendor license.
- You must train your staff on how to process WIC transactions.
- You must provide a clean and sanitary shopping environment.
Benefits of Accepting WIC
- Increased sales of healthy foods
- Improved community relations
- Eligible for reimbursement from the USDA
Process of Accepting WIC
- Customer presents WIC EBT card or paper voucher.
- Cashier scans WIC card or enters voucher information.
- Cashier verifies that customer is purchasing WIC-eligible foods.
- Cashier processes transaction.
Table of WIC-Eligible Foods
Category Eligible Foods Fruits Fresh, frozen, canned Vegetables Fresh, frozen, canned Milk Whole, 2%, 1%, skim Cheese Natural, processed Eggs Fresh Whole Grains Bread, pasta, rice, oats Well, there you have it! Following these simple steps will ensure you’re equipped to accept WIC at your store. Remember to always check the WIC website for updates and changes, and keep in mind that the processes may vary slightly from state to state. Thanks for taking the time to read this guide, and be sure to stop by again later for more helpful tips and tricks for running your business.
You will then need to submit this information to your local WIC agency for reimbursement. The reimbursement process can take several weeks, so be sure to keep track of all WIC transactions.
To ensure accurate and timely reimbursement, follow these guidelines:
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that you receive timely reimbursement for your WIC sales.
| Item | WIC Voucher Amount |
|---|---|
| Milk | $3.50/gallon |
| Cheese | $2.50/pound |
| Yogurt | $1.50/6-ounce container |
| Eggs | $0.50/dozen |
| Fruit | $2.00/pound |
| Vegetables | $2.00/pound |
How to Accept WIC in My Store
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC benefits can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, and whole grains.