MO WIC Scoop

September 2026

WIC state agency staff changes

Missouri WIC is pleased to welcome Jim Wheaton as the new WIC Retailer Manager. Jim brings previous WIC experience at both the state and local levels, along with leadership experience in the private and nonprofit sectors. In this role, he will work closely with authorized Missouri WIC retailers to support program operations, compliance and access to nutritious foods for WIC families. Missouri WIC looks forward to the experience and perspective he brings to the retailer program. He can be reached at Jim.Wheaton@health.mo.gov.

Updated WIC retailer web page

We invite you to visit our updated Authorized Missouri WIC Retailers and Pharmacies webpage. The page remains your go-to resource for helpful information and tools, including the APL Dashboard, WIC Retailer Manual, Missouri WIC Retailer Order Form, Training information and other retailer resources. 

As with any large website update, we recognize that a few links and features may require additional attention. If you encounter broken links or have difficulty finding information, please let us know by emailing MOWICVendorGroup@health.mo.gov. Thank you for your patience as we continue to identify and correct these items and improve the site for our retailers.

WIC Approved Food List changes

The WIC state agency plans to update the WIC Approved Food List this fall. Please ensure your point-of-sale (POS) provider regularly downloads the approved product list (APL), so your store has the current APL when changes take effect. Additional information will be shared in future communications via the MO WIC Retailer email group. If you are not subscribed, please subscribe as soon as possible.

Missouri WIC APL dashboard

The Missouri WIC APL is available as a dashboard on the WIC retailer webpage. Moving the APL to this real-time, interactive dashboard provides the most up-to-date information and makes sharing and collaboration with retailers, manufacturers, point-of-sale providers and other WIC stakeholders easier. The dashboard also includes a “Recently Added” filter to help identify items added to the APL in the past 30 days.

WIC mapping

As seasons change, so does fresh produce. Be sure to complete WIC mapping for eligible fresh produce to ensure items are allowed for WIC purchase. Remember, fresh herbs are now WIC-approved, too. Use the APL dashboard to find conventional and organic PLU codes for mapping completion. Thank you for your attention to this task.

Retailer questions or concerns

The Missouri WIC program reminds retailers to contact the state agency with any questions or concerns rather than the local agency. Authorized Missouri WIC retailers are subject to specific federal and state requirements. The state agency is equipped to provide guidance that complies with federal and state requirements as well as the WIC Retailer Agreement. We are happy to assist retailers with any questions or concerns to ensure continued compliance.

Compliance monitoring

Compliance monitoring for FFY 26 is wrapping up. Please check your email to see if our team has sent you any communications with additional information.

Lost cards at a store location

If a WIC customer leaves their WIC card in your store:

• Call the Missouri WIC program at 573-751-6204 within the same business day to provide the card number for deactivation.
• Destroy the card immediately.
• Do not keep cards.

Retaining WIC cards is a state violation.

Annual Retailer Training

The Missouri WIC program is required to provide annual retailer training. This year, training was delivered via an electronic newsletter and quiz. All retailers were requested to review the newsletter and complete the quiz by August 15, 2026, to allow time for processing training completion before the agreement deadline. If your store has not completed the Annual Retailer Training, please complete it as soon as possible to maintain compliance with your WIC retailer agreement.

Please contact Angie Easley at Angela.Easley@health.mo.gov or 573-751-6196 if you need the training information emailed to you again.

Cashier training

The Missouri WIC program requires retailers to train all cashiers on how to complete a balance inquiry (BI), a WIC transaction and a WIC void (benefit reversal). During a monitoring visit by the state agency, an observation buy will be conducted to determine if the cashier can complete a BI, a WIC transaction and a WIC void. If you would like instructions on how to complete a BI, a WIC transaction and a WIC void, please contact the Missouri WIC program, and we will send you instructions or schedule a Technical Assistance Training. Contact us at MOWICVendorGroup@health.mo.gov or 573-751-6204.

WIC locations map

The WIC locations map displays the locations of all 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 provides steps for getting started.

WIC retailer email subscription

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

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. Please email Angela.Easley@health.mo.gov to register for this training.

Need supplies?

If you need supplies, please complete the Missouri WIC Retailer Order Form to submit your request, and we will mail your order.

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.
• Lost cards at your store? Call the Missouri WIC program at 573-751-6204 within the same business day to provide the card number for deactivation. Destroy the card immediately. Do not keep cards. Retaining WIC cards is a state violation.

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.

Contact us

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

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