MO WIC Scoop

February 2025

Online Technology Coming Soon!

The Missouri WIC program and Custom Data Processing (CDP) have been working with retailers’ point of sale (POS) providers and IT departments to start testing POS systems for online technology. We greatly appreciate POS providers and IT departments’ hard work and dedication in making this a success!

Starting in March, CDP and POS providers will conduct level III certifications remotely. Once the setup is complete, the Missouri WIC state agency staff will complete level III certifications with retailers. Certifications will either be completed at the store or remotely.

The Missouri WIC program will communicate with all retailers regarding what to expect in the level III certification and how stores will be certified to accept the new online WIC cards starting on May 1, 2025. Please watch for notices in your mail and email.

Competitive Price Selection Criteria

Starting in February, the Missouri WIC program will examine each retailer's previous six months of redemption data to determine whether prices are competitive within their peer group. If a retailer’s price is higher than the competitive price for their peer group, the retailer will be notified and given an opportunity to lower the price to meet competitive pricing for their peer group.

WIC Shopping Assistant

The Missouri WIC program offers a new service to assist WIC participants in shopping for WIC foods. A few Missouri local agencies will offer WIC shopping assistant services to WIC participants. This service supports participants who express difficulties shopping for WIC-approved foods and enhances their overall shopping experience. At the retailer, WIC shopping assistants will work closely with participants to select WIC-approved foods, use the WICShopper app and check out at the register. The WIC shopping assistant is not involved in retailer monitoring or support. WIC shopping assistants undergo training by the Missouri WIC state agency staff.

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.

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.

Approved Product List (APL) Updates

The Missouri WIC program continuously works to maintain the WIC Approved Product List (APL) and has added numerous products. Please review the updated APL, as some products have been added:

• Private Selection Medium Cheddar Sliced Cheese 8 oz (0-11110-09524-4).
• Land O Lakes Large Brown Eggs 1 doz (8-52810-48812-3).
• Hy-Vee Pinto Beans (dry) 2 lb (0-75450-15097-1).
• Great Value Grape 64 oz (1-94346-28348-4).
• Great Value Orange Juice No Pulp 64 oz (1-94346-26614-2).
• Great Value Orange Juice With Calcium + Vitamin D (1-94346-26615-9).
• Great Value Orange Juice With Pulp (1-94346-26616-6).
• Great Value Instant Nonfat Dry Milk 9.6 oz (0-78742-13541-0).

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.

Future Updates

Reauthorization will begin in June 2025. What does this mean for authorized retailers? Authorized retailers must reapply to be authorized for the period beginning in FFY 26. More information will be sent to retailers in May via mail and email.

The 2025 Annual Retailer Training will be provided online and available from June through July 2025. The Missouri WIC program will provide more information around May.

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.