Vendor Application Process

New Vendor Pause

February 10, 2020

The Maine WIC Program will begin our eWIC pilot this Summer.

During the transition from WIC checks to eWIC card, the State WIC office will not accept applications from new Vendors and Farmers.

What this means for WIC Vendor and Farmer applicants:

  • Maine WIC will stop accepting new applications on May 1, 2020.
  • The pause includes brand new stores, new corporate chain locations, WIC authorized stores that close and re-open and new Farmers.
  • Exceptions to this policy will occur if there is a new store in a participant access area.
  • Maine WIC will resume accepting new applications on January 1, 2021.
  • New WIC authorizations will begin February 1, 2021.

If you have questions please contact the WIC Vendor Team at (207) 287-3991
or email at WICVendor@maine.gov

Any store owner may apply for WIC authorization. There is no charge for application or re-authorization. WIC-authorized stores must meet certain requirements for stocking products that can be bought with WIC checks, and must also charge competitive prices and have a good business reputation. Stores must apply for re-authorization every three years.

The State Agency will consider new vendor applications on a semi-annual basis beginning on:

  • April 1
  • October 1

Applications may be reviewed more frequently if an area of the state has inadequate participant access to stores. A notice will be posted here if there is a need for additional authorized vendors in particular areas of the state.

Minimum Qualification and Requirement

  • A vendor applicant shall be an established business, open to the public for at least one year in the current location.
  • Must have a fixed location that includes refrigeration and freezer equipment in the retail area.
  • Must carry foods intended for home preparation and consumption in addition to the WIC required minimum stock items
  • At least 1000 square feet of space devoted to the sale of grocery items unless denial for this reason would result in inadequate participant access.
  • The store is open for business at least ten hours per day, six days per week.
  • Possession of a valid Food Establishment License from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources
  • A location that ensures adequate participant access.
  • Proof of authorization as a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer, including SNAP authorization number

For the full selection criteria see policy No. VM-1.

Vendor Application Form

Stores interested in being WIC authorized vendors must complete and send in the application form PDF.


Minimum Inventory Requirements Checklist

Stores are required to stock WIC-approved foods and keep a minimum inventory available. Minimum inventory must be available at the time of application and must be maintained by WIC authorized stores. The checklist can be found here PDF


Vendor Price Survey

Please provide us with your store highest pricing for WIC-approved products in each category of food using the price survey PDF or Excel. Price Surveys are used to determine the Maximum Allowable Reimbursements, to aid us in deciding a fair reimbursement for rejected drafts, and to determine if a store meets WIC’s pricing parameters. It is important that you complete the survey accurately, carefully and thoroughly. List only the highest available priced WIC-approved item. Refer to your Booklet for Vendors for WIC approved foods. Do not list foods or package sizes that are not WIC approved.


Infant Formula From Authorized Supplier

Infant formula charged to the WIC program must be obtained by the vendor from an authorized supplier, listed on this PDF. Each vendor must maintain inventory records of these purchases for at least three years.

These inventory records include but are not limited to: 

  1. Inventory records showing all infant formula purchases, wholesale and retail, in the form of invoices identifying the wholesale or retail quantity and prices
  2. Transfer records showing origination, destination, and quantity
  3. Sales and use tax return
  4. Books of account
  5. Other pertinent records necessary to substantiate the volume and the prices charged through WIC food instrument redemption and for determination and verification of whether vendor is an above‐50‐percent vendor

For the complete Vendor Selection and Authorization policy, click here