Frequently Asked Questions

Applications can be found on the Retailer Applications and Form page. Completed applications can be mailed or emailed to Missouri WICNS at the below information.

WICNS
Attn: Retailer Unit
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570

MOWICVENDORGROUP@health.mo.gov

The following documents will need to be included with the WIC Retailer Application:

• Food Price Survey List.
• Current Sanitation Report that is within the past year.
• Deposit Form with a letter from bank or voided check.
• W-9.

To be considered a full service grocery store in Missouri, a grocery store must meet the following the criteria:

• Meet Stocking requirements.
• Five varieties of fresh vegetables and five varieties of fresh fruit.
• Three varieties of frozen vegetables and two varieties of frozen fruit.
• Three varieties of canned vegetables and three varieties of canned fruit.
• Canned fish.
• Two varieties of breadstuff.
• Minimum of three varieties each of beef, poultry and pork or lamb, for a total of nine varieties of meat.

Yes. The store name on the application must be the same name as registered with the Missouri Secretary of State or the owner's full name must appear in the store's name (e.g., John Doe's Grocery). Stores using fictitious names or names other than the owner's full name must be registered with the Secretary of State's Office.

It could take up to four to six weeks from the date that the state agency receives a complete application from the store.

Once a store is authorized, a message is sent to local agencies where WIC families go to receive their eWIC cards and other services. The WIC families are advised of all WIC retailers in their area authorized to accept eWIC cards for the purchase of WIC-approved food items. Also, the WIC locations map shows the locations of authorized eWIC retailers. The map is updated monthly and is also on the WICShopper app.

eWIC claim files are processed by the state agency banking contractor and the payments are deposited directly into your store bank account. The eWIC claim files are submitted daily and the store will receive an Acknowledgement File and/or an Auto-Reconciliation File to verify if the claim was accepted for payment. Stores can also review settlement reports that may be a feature of the back office portion of their Point of Sale system.

WIC authorizes the following types of food: milk; soy milk; eggs; cheese and yogurt; cold and hot cereal; juice; peanut butter; dried beans, peas and lentils; canned beans; infant cereal; infant formula; infant fruit, vegetables and meats; tofu; tuna, sardines and salmon; whole grain breads; brown rice; tortillas; whole wheat pasta; and fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables. Specific brands, types and sizes are listed in the WIC Approved Food List and the WIC Retailer Manual.

WIC retailers must maintain prices for approved food items that are comparable to the prices of other stores of similar size and type in the same area.

A WIC Retailer Agreement is a contract between the Missouri WIC state agency and the store. This contract is a time-limited agreement and explains in detail the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

Retailers who want to become an authorized WIC retailer will need to attend a new retailer training. State agency staff will coordinate with the retailer on the training. For more information please contact us at MOWICVENDORGROUP@health.mo.gov or 573-751-6204.

As required by federal regulations, a representative of the Missouri WIC state agency will visit your store and conduct an on-site inspection prior to authorization to ensure that the store meets all requirements. The state representative will note WIC food prices and shelf inventory on a pre-agreement visit form. They will also review and note the store's square footage, and any concerns they find during the on-site inspection.

Since the WIC Retailer Agreement is not transferable, any change of the store name, location or owner(s) makes the agreement null and void. A WIC retailer must give 60 days' advance notice to the WIC state agency. The store will need to complete a new application and complete the process to be considered for authorization.

Payments may be made online or through the mail. If you’d like to make your payment online, go to https://health.mo.gov/about/online-payment.php and follow these instructions. If mailing a payment, please make your check or money order payable to DHSS Fee Receipts. Include a copy of the letter you received and indicate in the memo section of your check or money order that the payment is for the WIC program. Send your payment to:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
ATTN: Fee Receipts
P.O. Box 570
920 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65102

A smart card that contains WIC food benefits for a WIC household to purchase WIC-approved food at authorized WIC retailers.

Yes. One card is issued for each WIC household.

No. The Personal Identification Number (PIN) eliminates the need for customer identification.

Customers should be referred back to their local agency if they forget their eWIC PIN.

Contact the toll-free number listed on the back of the card as soon as possible.

No.

No. Missouri eWIC cards are only accepted at authorized WIC retailers in Missouri.

No. The eWIC receipt should be given to the WIC customer.

No. Each eWIC card has to be redeemed in a separate transaction. eWIC cards cannot be used together.