Authorized Missouri WIC Retailers and Pharmacies

Thank you for being an authorized Missouri WIC retailer! You are an integral part of the success of Missouri’s WIC program in improving the nutritional health status of women, infants and children by supplying nutritious food for WIC participants to purchase. Here you will find all the information needed to be an authorized Missouri WIC retailer and pharmacy.

Important

The rules you agreed to follow are located in the WIC Retailer Manual and guided by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 246.12.
Your store must maintain the required WIC-approved food stocking requirements based on your assigned tier group to avoid a violation.
- Tier 1 or Tier 2.
The WIC Retailer Food and Formula Reference Guide [NEEDS LINK] provides food descriptions for WIC-approved food items and the list of approved formulas.
The WIC Approved Food List contains the products approved for the Missouri WIC program.
The Missouri WIC APL contains the Universal Product Codes (UPCs), Price Look-Ups (PLUs), item descriptions, corresponding category and subcategory information and effective dates of authorization for all WIC-approved products.
- This is updated on a regular basis, and retailers are required to download the APL from the WIC processor every 48 hours.
Retailers are required to map (link) fresh produce to like or similar International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) product-specific PLU codes.
- The Missouri WIC APL contains conventional and organic PLU codes for mapping fresh produce.
- The WIC Retailer Manual provides more detailed information on mapping procedures.
- Further information regarding full mapping requirements is in the WIC EBT Technical Implementation Guide and Operating Rules.
- Additional details regarding PLU codes, are available through the IFPS website.

Stay Connected

Subscribe to the Missouri WIC retailer update emails to receive timely updates about the program.
Read the WIC Scoop, a quarterly newsletter about what is happening in the Missouri WIC program.
Submit the WIC Retailer Communication form to add your information to an email communication list.
Email MOWICVendorgroup@health.mo.gov or call 573-751-6204.

Forms

The Retailer Concern form should be completed to express a concern or file a complaint about the WIC program or a WIC customer.
The WIC Retailer Request To Use WIC Acronym in Electronic Tags or Pricing Tags must be submitted and approved before you can use the WIC acronym in your electronic tags or embedded price tags.

Please complete the Missouri WIC Retailer Order Form to order paper copies of the Register Quick Guide, Retailer Manual, WIC Approved Food List (English or Spanish), WIC Approved Shelf Tags, WIC Cards Accepted at this Register Sign and WIC Door Decals.

Resources

The Customer Receipt handout helps you understand the WIC receipts that print during the WIC transaction.
The WICShopper App flyer helps you understand how to use the app to help customers and identify if your WIC items are scanning correctly.
The Retailer Fresh Produce Mapping handout provides information on the importance of and how to correctly map your fresh produce.
The Retailer Register Guide and Retailer Tips and Tricks can be stored at your registers to assist during WIC transactions.

Training

If you have questions about any retailer training, please call 573-751-6204 or email Angela.Easley@health.mo.gov.

Annual training

The annual training is required to continue your authorization. The training is completed in person every three years.

The 2025 annual training is complete. Information on the 2026 annual training will be posted in the spring of 2026.

Technical Assistance training

The Technical Assistance training is a hands-on training held in your store or regionally, depending on the interest in your area. This training will equip your cashiers, managers, price coordinators and scanning coordinators with the skills to successfully complete WIC transactions and other WIC-related tasks. Please email Angela.Easley@health.mo.gov to register for this training.

WIC Mapping training

The online WIC Mapping training [NEEDS LINK] provides information on how to map fresh produce for WIC purchases, a requirement for the program. Individuals will fill out a completion form and receive a certificate of completion at the end of the training.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I attract WIC customers?

Once a store is authorized, a message is sent to local agencies where WIC families go to receive their WIC cards and other services. The WIC families are advised of all WIC retailers in their area that accept WIC cards to purchase WIC-approved food items. Also, the WIC locations map shows the locations of authorized WIC retailers. The map is updated monthly and is also on the WICShopper app.

How do I get reimbursed for WIC purchases?

WIC transactions are processed in real time by the state agency banking contractor, and the payments are deposited directly into your store bank account. WIC transactions are processed daily.

What do I do if I sell the business, move the store to another location or change the name of the store?

The WIC Retailer Agreement is not transferable, so any change of the store name, location or owner(s) makes the agreement null and void. A WIC retailer must give the WIC state agency 60 days’ advance notice. The store must submit a new application and complete the process to be considered for authorization.

How can I pay a fine or reimbursement to the WIC program?

Payments may be made online or through the mail.

If mailing a payment, please make your check or money order payable to DHSS Fee Receipts. Include a copy of the letter you received and indicate in the memo section of your check or money order that the payment is for the WIC program. Send your payment to:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
ATTN: Fee Receipts
P.O. Box 570
920 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65012

For online payments, please follow the instructions below.

Go to the DHSS Paying Online page.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Pay Online.
Select Make a one-time payment.
Payment Category = WIC and Nutrition Services.
Payment Type = Retailer.
Complete the following fields:
1. Retailer Name.
2. WIC Vendor ID Number.
3. Contact Name.
4. Contact Telephone Number.
5. Payment Information = payment type(s) and amount(s).
6. Payment Amount.
Select Add Item and Checkout to make your payment and move to step 10 in these instructions.
Select Add Item to see the shopping cart on the right-hand side of the screen display the type of payment and the dollar amount. A projected fee will also display for making an online payment. The fee varies due to the amount of the payment and whether the payment is being made with a credit/debit card or eCheck.
1. To delete a payment, select the trashcan icon next to Retailer.
2. To cancel the entire transaction, select Cancel Transaction.
Select Next Step: Payment Information.
Complete the following fields for the retailer location:
1. Name.
2. Address.
3. City.
4. Country.
5. State.
6. Zip Code.
7. Home Phone Number. Remember to use the retailer phone number.
Enter the email for the person who should receive the receipt of the payment.
Select Next Step: Add Payment Method.
Choose the Credit Card or eCheck payment option and enter the needed information.
Select Next Step: Review Payment.
Ensure all the information is correct and check the box to agree to the Payment Terms of Service.
Select Make Payment if you are ready to make the payment. If needed, you can cancel the transaction by selecting Cancel Transaction.
After making the payment, a Thank You for Your Payment page appears. Please print this page for your records. If you entered an email address, a receipt with the transaction information will be sent to that email address.

What is a Missouri WIC card?

The Missouri WIC card is a magnetic stripe card that contains WIC food benefits for a WIC household to purchase WIC-approved food at authorized Missouri WIC retailers.

Will there be one card for all household members on WIC?

Yes. One card is issued for each WIC household unless the household includes a foster child. A foster child will receive benefits on their own card.

Do WIC customers need to show identification?

No. The personal identification number (PIN) eliminates the need for customer identification.

What happens if a WIC customer forgets their PIN?

Customers should contact the customer service number on the back of their card to reset their WIC PIN.

What happens if a WIC customer leaves their WIC card at a store?

Destroy the card. Do NOT keep the card.

Can WIC cards bew used at self-checkout registers?

No. The Missouri WIC program does not authorize self-checkouts and does not allow WIC cards to be used at separate liquor sections of grocery stores or a store gas station.

Can WIC customers shop in other states with their Missouri WIC card?

No. Missouri WIC cards are only accepted at authorized WIC retailers in Missouri. WIC cards from other states may not be used in Missouri.

Do cashiers keep a copy of the WIC receipt?

No. The WIC receipts must be given to the WIC customer.

Can multiple WIC cards be used in the same transaction?

No. Each WIC card must be redeemed in a separate transaction. WIC cards cannot be used together.

WIC Retailer Application

Thank you for your interest in becoming an authorized Missouri WIC retailer. Here you will find everything you need to know to determine if your store meets the minimum criteria and stocking requirements.

To be an authorized Missouri WIC retailer, you must:

Meet the Full-Service Selection Criteria Stocking Requirements.
- In addition, you will be assigned to meet the Tier 1 or Tier 2 stocking requirement for WIC-approved food based on your application.
Have passed a sanitation inspection within the past year.
Been in business in the current location for at least a year.
Be registered with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office.
Pass a pre-agreement site visit.
Complete an in person new retailer training.
Submit a copy of an infant formula invoice.

The full criteria is located in the WIC Retailer Manual and guided by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 246.12.

In addition to the stocking requirements, authorized WIC retailers are required to purchase all infant formula from approved licensed or authorized retailers, distributors or wholesalers [NEEDS LINK]. Any distributor or wholesaler not on this list may contact the WIC state agency to request consideration for inclusion.

If you are interested in becoming an authorized Missouri WIC retailer, please complete the WIC Retailer and Authorization Application and email the completed form to MOWICVendorGroup@health.mo.gov or mail to:

WICNS
Attn: Retailer Unit
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570

Other forms needed to complete your application will be emailed to you after the application is received. These forms include:

Price list.
Communication form.

After your application and forms are approved, you are required to attend an in-person new retailer training and pass an in-person pre-agreement visit from a member of the WIC retailer team.

Frequently asked questions

What is a full-service grocery store?

To be considered a full-service grocery store in Missouri, a grocery store must meet the following the to stocking requirements:

Five varieties of fresh vegetables and five varieties of fresh fruit.
Three varieties of frozen vegetables and two varieties of frozen fruit.
Three varieties of canned vegetables and three varieties of canned fruit.
Canned fish.
Two varieties of breadstuff.
Minimum of three varieties each of beef, poultry and pork or lamb, for a total of nine varieties of meat.

Do I need to register with the Missouri Secretary of state for a charter number?

Yes. The store name on the application must be the same name as registered with the Missouri Secretary of State.

What is a pre-agreement visit?

As required by federal regulations, a Missouri WIC state agency representative will conduct a pre-agreement visit prior to authorization to ensure that the store meets all requirements. The state agency representative will note WIC food prices and shelf inventory on a pre-agreement visit form. They will also review and note the store’s square footage, and any concerns they find during the pre-agreement visit.

How long does the application process take?

The application process could take four to six weeks from the date that the state agency receives the complete application and all required forms from the owner.

What types of food does WIC authorize?

WIC approves the following types of food:

Specific brands, types and sizes are listed in the WIC Approved Food List, WICShopper app and the WIC Retailer Manual.

How much do I charge for the food items approved for WIC?

WIC retailers must maintain prices for approved items that are comparable to the prices of other authorized stores of similar size and type in the same area.

What is a WIC Retailer Agreement?

A WIC Retailer Agreement is a contract between the Missouri WIC state agency and the store. This contract is a time-limited agreement and explains in detail the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

When can I submit an application?

Applications may be submitted at any time. However, during reauthorization periods applications will be held until the reauthorizations are complete.

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