Dear Prospective WIC Vendor:
Thank you for your interest in becoming an Alabama WIC Vendor.
Prior to completing the application packet, thoroughly review the Criteria for Participation and the Minimum Inventory Requirements for becoming an authorized Alabama WIC Vendor. It is important to note that if you become an authorized Alabama WIC Vendor these requirements must be maintained at all times to continue as an Alabama WIC Vendor.
The following application packet must be completed in its entirety or it will not be processed. This includes completing the New Applicant Price Survey. Completion of this application does not imply or guarantee authorization to participate in the Alabama WIC program.
As part of the application process, a WIC Representative will monitor your store to verify that the information provided on the application is correct, verify that the store meets the Criteria for Participation, and currently meets the Minimum Inventory Requirements. If discrepancies are identified, you do not meet any of the Criteria for Participation, or you do not meet the Minimum Inventory Requirements at the time of the visit, the application will be denied. You will be notified in writing if your application is denied and there will be a waiting period for reapplication.
If you have any questions concerning the application process, contact this office at (334) 206-5673.
Sincerely,
The Alabama WIC Division Vendor Management Branch
Square Footage of Retail Space - The store must have a minimum of 3,000 square feet of continuous retail space exclusively devoted to food sales. Square footage areas that are not continuous retail food sales areas open to the public and are used for other purposes that are irrelevant to the purpose of the Alabama WIC Program will not be considered as part of the minimum square footage requirement. Retail space does not include office space, storage areas, or restrooms. Retail Grocery Requirements - The store must be a business whose primary purpose is to be a retail grocer. Retail grocery does not include the following: gas stations, specialty stores, liquor stores, home delivery groceries, bait shops, etc. All vendors must have a recognized grocery department in a stationary location that is a separate and distinct area. The store, on any given day of operation, shall offer for sale and normally display a variety of different types of staple foods in addition to the Alabama WIC Program approved foods. The store must be open for business to customers at least eight hours per day and six days per week. Food Sales - At least 60 percent of a vendor's total sales must be in staple foods with the exception of vendors whose square footage exceeds 10,000 square feet. This requirement allows a WIC participant to purchase a variety of foods for home preparation and consumption and as recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate dietary guidance. include accessory foods such as coffee, tea, cocoa, soda, non-carbonated drinks such as sports drinks, punches, and flavored waters, candy, chips, condiments, spices, hot foods, or foods ready to go or made to take out, like prepared sandwiches or salads. Health Department Food Permit - The store must have a current Health Department Food Permit issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health or a state inspection certificate, as approved by the Alabama WIC Program. Minimum Stock of WIC Approved Foods - The store must have and maintain the minimum required stock of WIC approved foods. (See Minimum Inventory Requirements Sheet) Items outside the manufacturer's expiration date will not be counted as part of the minimum required stock. Vendors cannot use another store's brand items as part of the minimum stock requirements. Competitive Prices - The store's prices for WIC approved foods must be competitive with other stores of similar size in the state. These prices shall not exceed the maximum price as set by the Department. SNAP Authorization - The store shall be an authorized USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer. Disqualification from SNAP or WIC - The owner, co-owner, corporate official, or manager must not currently be disqualified from SNAP or the WIC Program in any state and/or may not currently be paying a SNAP civil money penalty unless due to inadequate participant access. Business Integrity - Unless it is necessary to ensure adequate participant access, the Alabama WIC Program will not authorize a vendor applicant if during the last six years, the vendor applicant or any of the vendor applicant's current owners, officers, or managers have been convicted of or have had a civil judgment for entered against them for any activity indicating a lack of business integrity: Activities indicating a lack of business integrity include, but not limited to, fraud, antitrust violations, embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, receiving stolen property, making false claims, or obstruction of justice. 50 Percent Criterion - Annual food sales revenue from the sale of food items derived from WIC transactions and/or the redemption of WIC food instruments must be less than 50 percent. immediately terminated , and the vendor disqualified from participating in the Alabama WIC Program. Infant Formula Supplier - The vendor shall purchase formula solely from entities approved by the Department. The Department maintains a list of approved entities and it is available on the Department's website. Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Capability - The WIC vendor demonstrates their cash register system or payment device can accurately and securely obtain WIC food balances associated with an EBT card, maintain the necessary files such as the Approved Product List (APL), and claim file and successfully complete WIC EBT purchases. EBT in the WIC Program is known as eWIC. ALABAMA WIC PROGRAM
MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2023 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
*Note: Minimum stock criteria for infant formula may continue to be verified by invoices until all effects to the national formula shortage are resolved.
FOOD ITEM DETAILS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Store Type 1 - 3 Store Type 4 INFANT FORMULA
Enfamil Infant (Milk Based) 12.5 oz Powder 18 Cans 12 Cans Enfamil Gentlease 12.4 oz. Powder 12 Cans 6 Cans Enfamil AR 12.9 oz. Powder 6 Cans 6 Cans Enfamil ProSobee (Soy Based) 12.9 oz. Powder 6 Cans Must supply upon request. DRY INFANT CEREAL 8 oz. or 16 oz. Container; Gerber or Beech-Nut Barley, Rice, Whole Wheat, Oatmeal,or Multigrain Not allowed: Organic, DHA, Fruit or other additives, or sensitve. 10 Containers (2 Varieties, 4 must be rice)
8 Containers (2 Varieties, 4 must be rice) INFANT FRUITS & VEGETABLES Any 1st and 2nd stage fruits and vegetables, these sizes and brands: Beech-Nut 4 oz. jar: Nothing Artificial Added and Naturals ORGerber 2 oz. 2-packs, 4 oz. 2-packs, and 4 oz. jars of Naturals.
See Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for information on items not allowed.
64 - (4oz. Jars) 32 - (8 oz. Packages) 32 - (4oz. Jars)
OR16 - (8 oz. Packages)
MILK, Whole
Least Expensive Brand
Whole Milk including Lactose Free / Lactose Reduced / Calcium Enriched
Not allowed: buttermilk, flavored, acidophilus treated, condensed, chocolate drink, or organic.
4 Gallons 2 Gallons MILK, Fat Free or 1% Low Fat
Least Expensive Brand
Fat Free or 1% Low Fat including Lactose Free / Lactose Reduced / Calcium Enriched
Not allowed: buttermilk, flavored (other than chocolate), acidophilus treated, condensed, chocolate drink, or organic.
12 Gallons 8 Gallons YOGURT, Low Fat or Non-Fat or Low Fat or Non-Fat Greek 16 oz. (1 lb.) or 32 oz. (2 lb.) Yogurt.
See the Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for the approved products, flavors, and combinations allowed.
192 oz. (6 - 32 oz. tubs or equivalent). May be any combination of approved products and flavors. Must supply upon request. EGGS Any size white eggs (small - jumbo) in 6 count, 12 count, or 18 count cartons.
Not allowed: brown, hard boiled, organic, specialty eggs such as cage free, grain fed hen, omega 3, or low cholesterol.
6 Dozen 4 Dozen
Rev. July 2023
ALABAMA WIC PROGRAM
MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2023 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
*Note: Minimum stock criteria for infant formula may continue to be verified by invoices until all effects to the national formula shortage are resolved.
FOOD ITEM DETAILS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Store Type 1 - 3 Store Type 4 CHEESE
Least Expensive Brand
8 oz. or 16 oz. Package. Domestic only.
Block, sliced, string, or shredded of the following varieties: Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, Processed American, Provolone, and Swiss. Any combination of the approved types.
Not allowed: cheese food, spread, product, imitation, cubes, sticks, crumbles, cheese from deli, peppers or other added ingredients.
6 - (16 oz. Packages)
12 - (8 oz. Packages)
(Must stock 2 of the 6 varieties)
4 - (16 oz. Packages)
8 - (8 oz. Packages)
(Must stock 2 of the 6 varieties)
CEREAL
8.9 to 36 oz. Boxes or Bags only.
**Whole Grain Cereals
General Mills Cheerios**, Multi-Grain Cheerios**, Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Berry Berry Kix**, Honey Kix**, Kix**
Kashi Honey Toasted** and Warm Cinnamon**
Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Frosted Mini Wheats Original**, Blueberry**, Strawberry**, Frosted Mini Wheats Little Bites Chocolate**, Original**, Rice Krispies, Special K Original
Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds, Honey Bunches of Oats, Honey Roasted, Honey Bunches of Oats with Vanilla Bunches, Great Grains Banana Nut Crunch**, Great Grains Crunchy Pecan**
Malt-O-Meal Strawberry Cream Mini Spooners**
Quaker Instant Oatmeal (Original) **, Instant Grits (Original)
18 Boxes
(Must stock 6 different varieties and 3 of the varieties must be whole grain)
9 Boxes
(Must stock 3 different varieties and 1 of the varieties must be whole grain)
BROWN RICE 14 - 16 oz. Bag or Box. Any brand regular, instant, or boil-in-bag.
Not allowed: seasoned, white, frozen, gourmet blends, or organic.
6 - (14 - 16 oz.) 4 - (14 - 16 oz.) 48 oz. or 96 oz. JUICE
All brands must be 100% juice and contain no added sweetener. Must have 72 mg (80%) Vitamin C per 8 fl. or 120% Vitamin C (when mg not listed on the label).
Juicy Juice - all flavors ( Not allowed: Teasers and Organic.)
Any brand in 48 oz. or 96 oz. shelf stable containers in the following flavors (Apple, Cranberry, Grape, Grapefruit, Orange, Pineapple, White Grape).
See the Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for the approved products and flavors.
8 Containers 6 Containers 64 oz. or 128 oz. JUICE
All brands must be 100% juice and contain no added sweetener. Must have 72 mg (80%) Vitamin C per 8 fl. or 120% Vitamin C (when mg not listed on the label).
64 oz. or 128 oz. Regrigerated Container
Juicy Juice - all flavors ( Not allowed: Teasers and Organic, Northland Cranberry Juice, Welch's, and Ocean Spray)
Any brand in 64 oz. or 128 oz. shelf stable containers in the following flavors (Apple, Cranberry, Grape, Grapefruit, Orange, Pineapple, White Grape).
See the Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for the approved products and flavors.
100% orange juice only. May contain calcium.
10 Containers 8 Containers
*See Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for Additional Details and Pictures
Rev. July 2023
ALABAMA WIC PROGRAM
MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2023 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
*Note: Minimum stock criteria for infant formula may continue to be verified by invoices until all effects to the national formula shortage are resolved.
FOOD ITEM DETAILS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Store Type 1 - 3 Store Type 4 PEANUT BUTTER 16 - 18 oz. Container. Any brand. May be chunky, creamy, crunchy, or low sodium.
Not allowed: whipped, spreads, omega 3, reduced fat, organic, combinations with jelly, honey, etc.
8 Containers 6 Containers WHOLE WHEAT AND WHOLE GRAIN BREADS 16 oz. Package. Nature's Own 100% Whole Grain Sugar Free, Nature's Own 100% Whole Wheat with Honey, Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat, Lewis 100% Whole Wheat, Bunny 100% Whole Wheat, Kroger 100% Whole Wheat, Wonder 100% Whole Wheat, Arnold's Hamburger Buns 100% Whole Wheat, and Arnold's Hotdog Buns 100% Whole Wheat. 12 - (16 oz. Packages) 6 - (16 oz. Packages) FRUITS AND VEGETABLES See Alabama WIC Approved Food Brochure for information on approved fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. Must stock a total of $48 retail value; including 4 varieties of fresh or frozen fruits and 4 varieties of fresh or frozen vegetables. Must stock a total of $36 retail value; including 3 varieties of fresh or frozen fruits and 3 varieties of fresh or frozen vegetables. These items listed below are not part of the required minimum stock; however, as an Alabama authorized WIC vendor, if a customer requests an item below, you are required to supply the item(s) upon request. FOOD ITEM DETAILS INFANT MEAT 2.5 oz. Container; Gerber or Beech-Nut plain meat with broth or gravy.
Not allowed: meat sticks, DHA, or organic.
SUPPLY UPON REQUEST SPECIAL MILK Chocolate Milk low fat or fat-free (1% or skim), half or whole gallons.
Lactose free (half gallons or 96.oz)
Whole Milk, 1 quart
Evaporated (Canned Milk), 12 oz. can. Carnation or Pet brands only.
Dry Milk (Powdered), 9.6 oz. or 25.6 oz. container.
Ultra High Temperature, 32 oz.
Not allowed: buttermilk, flavored (other than chocolate), acidophilus treated, condensed, organic, chocolate drink, and 2% milk.
SUPPLY UPON REQUEST
ALABAMA WIC PROGRAM
MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2023 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
*Note: Minimum stock criteria for infant formula may continue to be verified by invoices until all effects to the national formula shortage are resolved.
The items listed below are not part of the required minimum stock; however, as an Alabama authorized WIC vendor, if a customer requests an item below, you are required to supply the item(s) upon request. FOOD ITEM DETAILS YOGURT, Whole Milk 32 oz. (2 lb.) Whole Milk Yogurt. Any brand plain or vanilla.
Stonyfield Organic all flavors.
Not allowed: Greek or organic (other than Stonyfield)
Supply Upon Request DRY PEAS OR BEANS 16 oz. Bag. Any brand.
Not allowed: added flavorings or organic.
Supply Upon Request CANNED PEAS OR BEANS 15 -16 oz. Canned peas/beans. Any band and must be a mature legume. (Ex. Blackeye Peas, Black, Pinto, Garbanzo, Red, Navy, White, Lima, Butter, and Kidney Beans).
vegetables, organic, added fats, meats, seasonings, oils, sauces, organic, or creamed style.
Supply Upon Request 11.5 oz. - 12 oz. FROZEN JUICE Dole Pineapple; Seneca Apple; Old Orchard - All flavors with green lids allowed.
Orange Juice 12 oz. (may contain calcium). Any Brand.
Supply Upon Request FISH Any size, can or foil pouch, up to a total of 30 oz.
Any brand light tuna, chunk style packed in water.
Any brand pink salmon.
Packed in oil. White, albacore or yellow fin tuna. Sockeye or red salmon. Fresh or frozen fish. Lunch packs, kits or tuna salad.
Supply Upon Request 100% WHOLE WHEAT OR WHOLE GRAIN PASTA 16 oz. Package. 100% whole wheat/grain pasta, any shape, any brand.
Not allowed: Organic, added seasonings, sugars, fats, oils, salt, egg noodles, gluten free, veggie, or brown rice pasta.
Supply Upon Request WHOLE GRAIN TORTILLA (WHEAT AND CORN) 16 oz. Package.
See Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for approved brands.
Supply Upon Request
*See Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for Additional Details and Pictures
Rev. July 2023
Next Page >>
Save & Return Later
