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MeCDC > Family Health > WIC > Vendors

Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program (WIC)

Vendors page of the Maine WIC Nutrition Program's website

 

Download the Vendor Handbook  Doc* | PDF* (*free viewer)

Maine currently has approximately 300 authorized WIC retailers statewide. These stores include large chain stores, medium independents and small neighborhood grocery/convenience stores. Maine also authorizes several commissaries to participate in the WIC Program.

Retailers are an important part of the WIC program. They assume a lot of responsibility to ensure that WIC participants buy the right kinds and amounts of WIC authorized foods.

WIC Vendor Relations is here to help retailers administer our program correctly. We have developed training aids such as a Vendor Handbook, cashier reference cards, training packets, food lists and shelf stickers. We publish a quarterly newsletter filled with reminders and "how to's". We offer a training video to each authorized store to help with educating staff. And finally, we are available to visit your store and help with training. Just call and ask!

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services appreciates the efforts of our authorized retailers. Together we are able to provide quality service to Maine families.

Learn About WIC

What do you really know about the WIC Program?

WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. The WIC program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is administered in Maine by the Department of Health and Human Services through local WIC agencies. Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, infants and children up to age 5 can apply. Eligibility for the Program is based on a financial and medical or nutritional need.

The Maine WIC program recognizes that being pregnant, breastfeeding a baby or being a parent is a big job. WIC helps
families by providing nutritious foods along with nutritional guidance.

  1. WIC provides foods that are specifically recommended to improve each participant’s diet. For working Maine families the WIC food package helps to stretch the family food budget.
  2. WIC provides nutrition education to help participants learn the importance of good nutrition for good health.
  3. WIC nutritionists assist participants in receiving regular medical care. Staff members see that pregnant women receive prenatal care, and that infants and children receive routine checkups.

The process begins at the local WIC agency. When someone is initially accepted as a WIC participant, they are given a WIC Approved Foods List, an ID Folder and WIC checks to be redeemed at any authorized WIC store. (WIC Transaction details).

Every 2 to 3 months thereafter, participants visit the local WIC agency to receive checks, nutritional education and health checkups.

The participant visits authorized stores of their choice to redeem WIC checks.

The WIC participant maintains an understanding of the WIC rules, including the WIC Approved Foods List and works with the vendor in purchasing appropriate foods.

The authorized vendor maintains an understanding of the rules and procedures for WIC, and works with the participant in receiving the appropriate items. The vendor and WIC participant contact the Maine WIC Program with any problems and concerns they might have.