Missouri WIC and Nutrition Services Retailer Manual

A. The application 

Contact the Missouri WIC program at 573-751-6204 if you have any questions about becoming an authorized WIC retailer. The Missouri WIC Retailer Authorization application can be found on the WIC retailer application webpage or by contacting the Missouri WIC program at 573-751-6204 or MOWICVendorGroup@health.mo.gov. 

To become an authorized WIC retailer, a retailer must complete an application process, meet the selection criteria and receive confirmation of authorization. Applicants must complete and submit all required application forms to the Missouri WIC program. All information must be complete. Incomplete or unsigned documents will not be accepted. 

Please ensure required signatures are obtained on all forms and mail or email the completed application and forms to: 

WIC and Nutrition Services 
Attention: WIC Agreement and Training Coordinator 
P.O. Box 570 
Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0570 

Email: MOWICVendorGroup@health.mo.gov 

Refer to WIC retailer policies in section 2.0 Retailer Contracting for further information. 

B. Steps in the approval process 

1. Complete the WIC Retailer Application, Missouri WIC Retailer Price List and WIC Retailer Communication Form. 

a. Submit a completed application for each store to become authorized, along with the supporting documentation. Application review may take up to 60 days for approval. 

2. Submit a sanitation report completed within one year of the submission date. 

a. A sanitation report must be submitted along with the application. The report can be completed within one year of the application's submission date. 

3. Submit work history to identify any previous grocery experience. 

a. Provide a resume or any documentation that outlines work history with grocery experience. 

4. Pass a pre-agreement visit conducted by the Missouri WIC program. 

a. If the application is complete and indicates the retailer would qualify, the Missouri WIC program will conduct a pre-agreement visit to ensure the application is accurate and meets the selection criteria and stocking requirements. 

b. The Missouri WIC program will review the results of the pre-agreement visit. If the requirements are not met during the visit, the retailer can make corrections to meet them. A second pre-agreement visit could be required. 

5. Complete new retailer training. 

a. The owner(s) and a designated store representative(s) (e.g., manager) must attend new retailer training in person. Training attendees are then responsible for training all employees. Retailers with a pharmacy must also ensure that pharmacy staff are trained. 

b. The Train-the-Trainer Form must be completed and returned within 30 days of the store’s authorization. Failure to complete the training and return the form could result in termination of the WIC Retailer Agreement. 

6. Pass the level III certification for point of sale (POS) systems conducted by the Missouri WIC program. 

a. Retailers must pass a level III certification to verify that the POS system can accept WIC transactions. Certifications can be completed over the phone by the Missouri WIC program. The certification will be assessed to ensure that the POS system can complete the following: 

i. Balance inquiry (BI).

ii. WIC void (benefit reversal).

iii. WIC transaction (purchase). 

iv. Provide accurate receipts. 

7. Sign the WIC Retailer Agreement. 

a. Upon completing a successful pre-agreement visit, new retailer training, and level III certification, the retailer must sign the WIC Retailer Agreement. 

8. Receive a letter of authorization from the Missouri WIC program.