MO WIC Scoop

May 2025

Online Technology is Here!

The Missouri WIC program has successfully implemented the new online technology! WIC participants will purchase their benefits using magnetic stripe WIC cards.

THANK YOU to all the POS providers and IT departments for making this project a success! Their hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated!

Moratorium on WIC Retailer Authorization

The Missouri WIC program is placing a moratorium on new retailer authorization from November 1, 2024 through October 1, 2025. This is due to the program transitioning from offline to online technology and conducting reauthorization in the summer of 2025. If you have questions, please contact us at MOWICVendorGroup@health.mo.gov or 573-751-6204.

Reauthorization

The Missouri WIC program will send reauthorization packets at the end of May. What does this mean for authorized retailers? New applications must be completed for each authorized retailer. Please be on the lookout for an email and a packet in the mail!

Annual Training

The 2025 Annual Retailer Training will be provided online and available from June through July 2025. At the end of May, the Missouri WIC program will send a letter to the retailers and an email to the owners detailing the training instructions.

Approved Product List (APL) Updates

The Missouri WIC program continuously works to maintain the WIC Approved Product List (APL) and will add numerous products on May 12. Please ensure your system has an updated APL.

If your store receives new products or carries items not currently on the APL but you believe they are eligible for WIC, please contact WICFoods@health.mo.gov to submit these items to the Missouri WIC program for consideration. Please share clear images of the label, including the UPC, size and ingredients, as indicated in the WIC Guidelines section of the WIC Retailer Manual.

Special Formula Tips for Pharmacies

The Missouri WIC program would like to provide some useful tips for pharmacies conducting WIC transactions for special formulas.

• Complete a balance inquiry (BI) to ensure you ordered the correct formula and determine how many bottles or cans are needed. Do not worry about the dollar value; benefits are issued in units of measure.
• Scan the barcode on the formula can. DO NOT scan the box UPC as it is not on the Missouri WIC Approved Product List (APL).
• Scan each bottle individually. Do not use the multiplier key, as this can cause issues (e.g., removing benefits and locking up the system).
• Try a regular lane if the pharmacy's POS system is not working.

If you have any issues or concerns, please contact us at MOWICVendorGroup@health.mo.gov or 573-751-6204.

WIC Locations Map

The WIC locations map is a great resource. It shows the location of all the authorized Missouri WIC retailers and WIC local agencies in Missouri.

WICShopper App

The WICShopper app is a great resource for retailers to download and scan food items to see if they are WIC-approved and determine where to place WIC-approved Shelf Tags. The WICShopper App Flyer can be found on our webpage and provides steps for getting started.

WIC Retailer Email Subscription

Authorized Missouri WIC retailers can now subscribe to receive WIC retailer update emails. Sign up here to receive emails.
Manufacturers and distributors can subscribe to receive emails regarding product submission information. Sign up here to receive emails.

Technical Assistance

Missouri WIC invites interested retailers to contact us for cashier training! We will work with retailers to schedule a time to provide hands-on training at our office, regional locations or stores. You can register on our website.

Need Supplies?

If you need supplies, please go to our webpage to order. Click on the Retailer Resource Order Form to make your request, and we will mail you what you need.

Suggestions

We would like to hear retailers' suggestions on how your Missouri WIC retailer team can improve. Please send suggestions to MOWICVendorGroup@health.mo.gov.

Reminders

• Missouri WIC requires 60 days' notice for ownership, store closings and category changes.
• Missouri WIC requires notice for retailers’ POS upgrades or changes to the POS system.
• Changes to banking information require a new direct deposit form and a letter from the bank or a voided check.
• Retailers need to make sure files are being downloaded and submitted to ensure claims are being submitted so payments can be made.

Contact Us

Please direct questions or concerns to MOWICVendorGroup@health.mo.gov or 573-751-6204.