A. Role of WIC retailers 

Full-service grocery stores and pharmacies play an essential role in improving the nutritional health status of women, infants and children in the Missouri WIC program. The retailer’s role is to provide WIC customers with the food items issued on their WIC card, only in the designated brands, quantities, sizes and types. These foods provide WIC customers with the specific nutrients they need and reinforce the nutrition education received from the local agency. In accordance with WIC retailer policies and procedures outlined in the WIC Retailer Agreement and the WIC Retailer Manual, WIC customers receive the nutritious food items that have been prescribed, and authorized WIC retailers receive payment for the items customers purchase with WIC food benefits. 

All retailers and pharmacy owners must understand how the Missouri WIC program operates. Each authorized Missouri WIC retailer is responsible for complying with all program policies, procedures and regulations.

B. WIC Retailer Manual and Retailer Agreement 

The Missouri WIC Retailer Manual and Retailer Agreement define the roles and responsibilities of retailers. By reference, this WIC Retailer Manual is made part of the Retailer Agreement, and the policies and procedures outlined in this manual are an integral part of the Retailer Agreement. The Retailer Agreement, Retailer Manual, federal regulations and policies must be met by each authorized WIC retailer. Missouri WIC may terminate the Retailer Agreement by providing 15 days' advanced written notice to the retailer, except in the case of a permanent disqualification. The retailer may terminate the Retailer Agreement by providing 30 days' advance written notice. The parties shall not be released from the duty to perform their obligation up to the date of termination. Neither Missouri WIC nor the retailer has an obligation to renew the agreement. 

C. Policy changes 

Clarifications, changes and/or additions to WIC policies and procedures may be made throughout the agreement period. The USDA may also approve waivers to allow exemptions from certain regulations. Any changes will be communicated to retailers through mail, email and the MO WIC Scoop. Retailers must subscribe to receive important emails via GovDelivery.