Missouri WIC and Nutrition Services Retailer Manual

At the end of a retailer agreement period, the retailer must complete the reauthorization process to establish a new retailer agreement. The Missouri WIC program will initiate the reauthorization process approximately four months before the end of the retailer agreement period. The expiration of the WIC Retailer Agreement is not subject to appeal. 

A moratorium on the authorization of new retailers will be effective during the reauthorization period to ensure active retailers are authorized without disruption in service. An exception to the moratorium may be granted when there is inadequate participant access to authorized WIC retailers. For more information, refer to WIC retailer policy 2.6 Retailer Reauthorization. 

A. Application 

The Missouri WIC program will initiate the reauthorization process by providing retailers with an application to be considered for reauthorization. Retailers may be considered for reauthorization at the end of the retailer agreement period by submitting the completed application to the Missouri WIC program. Prior to reauthorization, the retailer’s application will be reviewed, and the WIC program will determine whether the retailer continues to meet the WIC program's selection criteria and requirements. Items reviewed and evaluated by the Missouri WIC program upon receipt of the reauthorization application include: 

• WIC transaction information.
• Complaints, violations and sanctions.
• Monitoring and compliance reports.
• Training attendance. 

B. Reauthorization requirements 

Retailers must continue meeting the initial application requirements and meet the following: 

• Attended required WIC training.
• Resolved and responded in writing to all concerns brought to the retailer’s attention by the Missouri WIC program at least sixty days prior to reauthorization.
• Paid fees from any sanctions at least sixty days prior to reauthorization.
• Submitted the completed reauthorization application by the due date. 

C. Reauthorization process 

Before the retailer agreement period ends, the Missouri WIC program will review the reauthorization requirements to determine current retailers’ eligibility for reauthorization. Missouri WIC will send a reauthorization application packet to eligible retailers. Upon return of the completed authorization packet, all information will be reviewed and verified by the Missouri WIC program. If all information is complete and acceptable, a Missouri WIC Retailer Agreement will be sent to the retailer. If additional information or clarification is needed, the Missouri WIC program will contact the retailer. The retailer must sign and return the Missouri WIC Retailer Agreement to the Missouri WIC program. 

If a retailer does not complete the reauthorization process and return the agreement to the Missouri WIC program prior to the end of the expiring retailer agreement period, the retailer must cease transacting WIC purchases and reapply during the new agreement period. 

Any retailers who are deemed ineligible for reauthorization will receive a letter explaining any unmet requirements.