Information for Retailers

Vendors

Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program has approximately 1000 authorized vendors, statewide, to accept WIC checks. These stores include large chains, medium independents, chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, commissaries, and small neighborhood grocery/convenience stores.

WIC vendors ensure that WIC participants receive the correct type and amount of food in the month it is intended to be received. The vendor's role is critical and essential in making the Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program successful.

Applying to Become A WIC Vendor

Vendor applications are accepted on a continual basis throughout the year. Applications received by the Massachusetts WIC Program will be processed according to the processing schedule as indicated in the Vendor Application Packet. If you would like to become an authorized retailer for the Massachusetts WIC Program, please complete the vendor application and price list.

Vendors must meet the authorization requirements as outlined in the Vendor Application Packet. Completion of the application does not guarantee WIC vendor authorization.

It is the responsibility of the vendor to accurately complete and submit all required documentation to the State WIC Office.

If you need assistance in filling out the Vendor Application and price list, please contact the Vendor staff of the Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program at (800)552-9425 or (617)624-6100.

• FY’13-15 Vendor Application Packet*  file size 2MB
• Vendor Application*  file size 1MB
• Food Vendor Price List* 
• Pharmacy Price List* 
• WIC Minimum Inventory Requirement-Food Vendors* 
• WIC Minimum Inventory Requirement-Pharmacy* 
• List of Approved Infant Formula Suppliers* 

* PLEASE BE SURE TO USE THE PDF FILE when filling out the Vendor Application. The Word file is only to be used if you are visually impaired.

Annual Vendor Training

Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program: Vendor Training

The purpose of the Vendor Training is to ensure that all retailers are familiar with Massachusetts WIC Program policies and procedures and understand their WIC obligations, specifically how to:

• Comply with the WIC Vendor Agreement
• Process and transact a WIC check
• Identify the WIC approved foods
• Maintain sufficient varieties and quantities of the WIC Mandatory Minimum Inventory of WIC Approved foods
• Treat WIC participants with respect and courtesy

Vendor Training certifies that retailers are aware of and understand the WIC Program Sanction Policy for vendor non-compliance and the different class violations.  Non-compliance with or violation of the WIC Program Sanction Policy voids the vendor’s participation in the WIC Program.  The training's listed below are mandated by USDA/FNS who oversees the WIC Program.  

WIC Retail Vendor Training Information 

Active Vendors – Mandatory Annual Training

Active vendors are required to attend the Annual Vendor Training that is held every September and/or October, in order to renew their WIC Vendor Agreement with the Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program.  The local WIC program, in your community, conducts the Annual Vendor Training.   Notifications, identifying the date of training, time and location, are mailed to each retailer in August and/or September.  Failure to attend the Annual WIC Vendor Training will render your WIC Agreement null and void. 

New Vendors – Mandatory Training 

The Massachusetts WIC Vendor staff conducts monthly training for those vendors who have successfully completed the application process by meeting all the selection criteria for becoming a WIC authorized vendor.  Award letters, identifying the date of training, time and location, are mailed out to these approved retailers.  Failure to attend this training will render the retailer from not participating in the WIC Program.  

Both the active and new vendor training sessions are conducted in English and Spanish.  The store manager and/or employee designated to attend the training must be authorized to sign the WIC Vendor Agreement on behalf of the vendor and responsible for ensuring all other retail staff are appropriately trained.  

Customized Training 

Massachusetts WIC offers customized training to authorized retailers for their employees at the request of the retailer.  These trainings are structured to meet the specific needs of the retailer and are held at the retailer’s location.  Any retailer interested in this type of training must call the WIC Vendor Hotline at 1-800-552-9425 for arrange for a training.

WIC Food List
WIC Formula List
WIC Retail Store listings