Missouri WIC and Nutrition Services Retailer Manual

Section I: Overview

A. Purpose

The purpose of the Retailer Manual is to provide information to retailers who are authorized to accept WIC. To be authorized to accept WIC cards, a retailer must have a signed agreement with the Missouri WIC program. A retailer may begin to accept WIC cards only after the application process has been completed and the WIC Retailer Agreement is fully executed. Agreements must be renewed before the end of the three-year agreement cycle.

B. What is WIC?

WIC is a nutrition program for women, infants and children. The United States Congress established WIC in 1973 in recognition of the need for adequate nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood, especially among low-income families. The Missouri WIC program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, supplemental foods and referrals for health services.

C. Who is eligible for WIC?

WIC services are available to women who are pregnant or who have recently had a baby, infants and children up to their fifth birthday. Participants must meet eligibility criteria (less than 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines), be a Missouri resident and have a nutritional need.

D. How is WIC funded?

The Missouri WIC program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of WIC and Nutrition Services.

E. WIC supplies and resources

The Missouri WIC program provides WIC-approved decals, signage and resources to retailers. To order supplies, please complete the Missouri WIC Retailer Order Form. The resources available to order are:

Door decals	A current WIC authorization sign must be posted at each customer entry door.
WIC-approved shelf tags	WIC-approved food items must be identified with a “WIC-approved” tag on the shelf. The only exception is the fresh produce section, which has differing track sizes and food items stocked in bins, which makes posting shelf tags difficult.
Missouri WIC Cards Accepted at this Register Sign	This sign should be posted only if there are designated registers that accept WIC. This sign is not required if all registers accept WIC.
WIC Retailer Manual	The WIC Retailer Manual provides information on how authorized WIC retailers must operate.
Retailer Register Guide	This guide provides helpful tips on processing WIC transactions.
WIC-Approved Food List	This is a supplemental visual aid for the approved foods list. A current brochure or list should be kept at each register. Approved products in the brochures are subject to change.