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| Retailer Information |
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The partnership between the State WIC Program (the
Program) and WIC- authorized retailers is an integral
component of a successful nutrition program. The
retailer’s role in the process of improving health is an
important one. Retailers ensure that WIC participants
receive the correct type and amount of food in the month
it is intended to be received. This serves as a
reinforcement to the WIC participant’s nutrition
education. The retailer’s role is essential in making
the Program successful. |
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- Goals
- New Food Package Implementation
- Retailer Authorization
Goals
The Program, in conjunction with WIC local agencies, have developed the following goals in order to achieve better customer service and improve WIC services to both participants and authorized WIC retailers.
- Foster positive working relationships between retailers, the State WIC Program, local agency WIC staff, and WIC participants.
- Ensure that WIC participants, local agency WIC staff, and staff in authorized WIC stores are advised of the Program’s policies and procedures and how to handle WIC transactions appropriately.
- Work with WIC-approved retailers and participants to ensure that only the prescribed foods are purchased.
- Ensure that an adequate number of retail stores are maintained to accept WIC checks based on WIC participant access, competitive prices, and availability of WIC foods.
These goals can be met through the joint efforts of the State WIC Program, WIC local agencies, retailers, and WIC participants.
| A Colorado WIC Retailer Handbook has been developed for authorized WIC retailers and sets forth the roles and responsibilities of WIC-approved retailers and the State and Local Agency Retailer Coordinators (LARC). Retailer Coordinators are available both at the State and local level to work with retailers authorized in the WIC Program food delivery system. The handbook can be obtained by contacting the State WIC office at (303) 692-2400. |
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New Food Package Implementation
During the summer of 2009, the WIC food packages will be changing! The new food packages better meet the needs of WIC participants, and reflect current nutritional science and public health concerns. These food packages also boost WIC’s efforts to promote optimal nutrition and breastfeeding, and better accommodate participants with cultural food preferences.
The new food packages include:
- fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables
- dairy alternatives such as tofu and soy beverage
- more whole grain choices, including 100% whole grain bread, brown rice, and soft corn tortillas
- canned beans
- more varieties of canned fish
- and fresh bananas and jarred baby foods for infants
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The food packages still contain foods traditionally found in the WIC food packages, including:
- milk, cheese, and eggs
- cereal
- 100% fruit and vegetable juices
- dried beans and peas
- peanut butter
- infant formula
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Retailer Authorization
All WIC food vouchers issued within the Program are redeemed by a limited number of authorized grocery stores, pharmacies, and commissaries. The Program does not authorize every retailer that applies. Authorization is based on the need for a retailer within an area and the following selection and limiting criteria:
Selection Criteria:
- The store must be a full-service grocery store with a primary function of selling groceries.
- The store must maintain regular business hours.
- The store must meet the "Minimum WIC Food Stocking Requirements" in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of WIC participants.
- The store must not have had a Food Stamp or WIC Program disqualification or civil money penalty imposed within the last two years, or be currently disqualified from either program.
- The store must not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, or political beliefs and makes reasonable accommodations for shoppers with disabilities.
- The store must purchase infant formula from approved suppliers.
Limiting Criteria:
The Program, as required by federal regulations, authorizes a limited number of WIC retail stores that will ensure participant accessibility and allow Program staff to effectively monitor and review authorized WIC retail store performance. In addition to the Selection Criteria listed above, the following Limiting Criteria is used to determine retailer eligibility in the Program:
- At least 10 active WIC families must document interest in using this store to purchase their WIC foods.
- Prices must be competitive with other retailers in the area or peer group as established by the Program (within approximately 10%)
- Location and performance of other retailers within the service area.
An exception to these criteria will be made if inadequate participant access would result from denial of a retailer's application or disqualification of another retailer in the service area.
If you are interested in becoming a WIC authorized retailer or have questions about the WIC food delivery system, please call (303) 692-2400. |
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