Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

MOWICVendorGroup@health.mo.gov

The following documents must be included with the WIC Retailer Application:

• Price List.
• Current Sanitation Report that is within the past year.
• W-9
• Communication Form.

Retailers who want to become an authorized WIC retailer must attend 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. In addition, retailers must complete annual training per federal regulation 7 CFR 246.12(i).

To be considered a full-service grocery store in Missouri, a grocery store must meet the following the to 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.

As required by federal regulations, a Missouri WIC state agency representative will conduct a pre-agreement visit prior to authorization to ensure that the store meets all requirements. The state agency 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 pre-agreement visit.

The application process could take four to six weeks from the date that the state agency receives the complete application and all required forms from the owner.

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

WIC transactions are processed in real time by the state agency banking contractor, and the payments are deposited directly into your store bank account. WIC transactions are processed daily.

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, WICShopper app and the WIC Retailer Manual.

WIC retailers must maintain prices for approved items that are comparable to the prices of other authorized 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.

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

Payments may be made online or through the mail. If you would 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

The Missouri WIC card is a magnetic stripe card that contains WIC food benefits for a WIC household to purchase WIC-approved food at authorized Missouri WIC retailers.

Yes. One card is issued for each WIC household unless the household includes a foster child. A foster child will receive benefits on their own card.

No. The personal identification number (PIN) eliminates the need for customer identification.

Customers should contact the customer service number on the back of their card to reset their WIC PIN.

Contact the customer service number on the back of the card as soon as possible to report the card as lost and destroy the card. Do NOT keep the card.

No. The Missouri WIC program does not authorize self-checkouts and does not allow WIC cards to be used at separate liquor sections of grocery stores or a store gas station.

No. Missouri WIC cards are only accepted at authorized WIC retailers in Missouri. WIC cards from other states may not be used in Missouri.

No. The WIC receipts must be given to the WIC customer.

No. Each WIC card must be redeemed in a separate transaction. WIC cards cannot be used together.