New WIC Vendor Application

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ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

WIC VENDOR APPLICATION

Relevant Documents: Minimum Stock Requirements

WIC Wholesalers, Distributors, & Manufactures List

Note: A vendor application must be completed for each store owned, including each entity of a chain operation. Only complete applications will be processed. Questions with an * require a response for the application to be submitted.

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Attention:

If you have recently purchased an existing store or taken over ownership of an existing store, PLEASE contact the AL WIC Office after you submit your application.

Ask us if the store you are purchasing is currently on the WIC program. We need to be aware anytime a store on the program closes or sells so that we can terminate the current WIC Vendor number to reduce any risks of invalid transactions.

You may contact us at 334-206-5673 or email us at wicvendortraining@adph.state.al.us

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 are authorized to participate in the Alabama WIC program and you accept or process eWIC transactions prior to contract delivery and completion of vendor training, you will be required to repay the Department.

If you have any questions concerning the application process, contact this office at
(334) 206-5673.

Sincerely,

The Alabama WIC Division
Vendor Management Branch

The following criteria for participation must be met to become an authorized Alabama WIC Vendor. Vendor applicants and authorized vendors shall comply with the criteria for participation at all times.

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.

Staple food groups include meat, poultry, fish, breads, cereal, vegetables, fruit, and dairy products. A portion of the vendor's total staple foods must include perishable foods that are either frozen staple food items; or fresh, un-refrigerated or refrigerated staple food items that will spoil or suffer significant deterioration in quality within two to three weeks.

Staple foods do not 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.

If after authorization sales data indicates more than 50 percent of the store's food sales revenue is from the sale of food items derived from WIC transactions and/or the redemption of WIC food instruments, the vendor contract will be 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.

The Department does not allow vendors to purchase contract infant formula from other WIC Program vendors.
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 JANUARY 01, 2026 - 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 3+ registers	Store Type 4 1 - 2 registers
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. Container; Gerber or Earth's Best Organic Rice, Whole Wheat, Oatmeal, Gluten Free, Organic, or Multigrain. Not allowed: Organic, DHA, Fruit or other additives, or sensitve.	10 Containers - 2 Varieties	6 Containers

INFANT FRUITS & VEGETABLES	Any 1st and 2nd stage fruits and vegetables, these sizes and brands: Beech-Nut 4 oz. jar: Classics, Naturals, and Organics. Gerber 2 oz. 2-packs, 4 oz. 2-packs, and 4 oz. jars (including Organic). Happy Baby: 4 oz. jars and 3.5 oz. - 4 oz. pouches Earth's Best: 3.5 oz. pouches	64 Containers. May be any combination of approved products and flavors.	32 Containers. May be any combination of approved products and flavors.

MILK, Whole	Whole Milk including Lactose Free / Lactose Reduced Not allowed: 2% milk, buttermilk, Chocolate or flavored milk, acidophilus treated, condensed, chocolate drink, or organic.	4 Gallons	2 Gallons

MILK, Fat Free or 1% Low Fat	Fat Free or 1% Low Fat including Lactose Free / Lactose Reduced / Calcium Enriched Not allowed: 2% milk, buttermilk, Chocolate or flavored milk, acidophilus treated, condensed, chocolate drink, or organic.	10 Gallons	4 Gallons

YOGURT, Whole milk, Low Fat or Non-Fat (including Greek)	16 oz. (1 lb.) or 32 oz. (2 lb.) Packages. See the Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for the approved products, flavors, and combinations allowed.	12 Containers 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

*See Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for Additional Details and Pictures

Rev. November 2025

ALABAMA WIC PROGRAM

MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 01, 2026 - 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 3+ Registers	Store Type 4 1 - 2 Registers
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, cream chees or other added ingredients.	12 Packages. May be any combination of approved products.	6 Packages. May be any combination of approved products.

FISH	Any size container of Light Tuna or Pink Salmon packed in water. Includes foil pouches. Not allowed: Packed in oil. White, albacore or yellow fin tuna. Sockeye or red salmon. Fresh or frozen fish. Lunch packs, kits or tuna salad.	30 Containers. May be any combination of approved products.	15 Containers. May be any combination of approved products.

64 oz. or 128 oz. JUICE	All brands must be 100% juice and must have 72 mg (80%) Vitamin C per 8 fl. oz. or 120% Vitamin C (when mg not listed on label). See the Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for the approved products and flavors.	10 - 64 oz. Containers or equivalent.	8 - 64 oz. Containers or equivalent.

CEREAL 8.9 to 36 oz. Boxes or Bags only.	See the Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for approved cereals and whole grain classification.	18 Boxes. Must stock 6 different varieties and 4 of the varieties must be whole grain.	9 Boxes. Must stock 3 different varieties and 2 of the varieties must be whole grain.

*See Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for Additional Details and Pictures

Rev. November 2025

ALABAMA WIC PROGRAM

MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 01, 2026 - 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 3+ Registers	Store Type 4 1 - 2 Registers
PEANUT BUTTER OR NUT/SEED BUTTER	16 - 18 oz. Container. Any brand. May be chunky, creamy, crunchy, or low sodium. Wowbutter and Sunbutter are the only approved Nut/Seed butter brands. Not allowed: whipped, spreads, omega 3, reduced fat, organic, combinations with jelly, honey, etc.	8 Containers	6 Containers

WHOLE GRAIN CHOICES	12-24 oz. Package. All 100% Whole Wheat and 100% Whole Grain Breads are allowed. Specific brands and types of whole wheat and corn tortillas. See the Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for details. Whole Wheat/Whole Grain pasta - any package size/any brand. Brown Rice - any package size/any brand. Oatmeal - Quick-cooking, rolled, old fashioned, steel-cut; any package size, canisters, boxes, or bags.	12 Packages. Must stock 3 different varieties of whole grain choices.	6 Packages. Must stock 2 different varieties of whole grain choices.

FRESH OR FROZEN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES	See Alabama WIC Approved Food Brochure for information on approved fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.	Must stock 4 varieties of fresh or frozen fruits and 4 varieties of fresh or frozen vegetables.	Must stock 3 varieties of fresh or frozen fruits and 3 varieties of fresh or frozen vegetables.

*See Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for Additional Details and Pictures

Rev. November 2025

ALABAMA WIC PROGRAM

MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS

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
ENFAMIL REGULINE	12.4 oz. Powder	SUPPLY UPON REQUEST

INFANT MEAT	2.5 oz. Container; Gerber or Beech-Nut plain meat with broth or gravy. Not allowed: meat sticks, pouches with meats.	SUPPLY UPON REQUEST

SPECIAL MILK	Soy Milk or Plant-Based Milk Alternatives: half gallon or 96 oz. Lactose free: half gallons or 96 oz. Whole Milk: 1 quart. Evaporated (Canned Milk): 12 oz. Can. Carnation and Pet brands only. Dry Milk (Powdered): 9.6 oz., 25.6 oz., or 39.5 oz. container. Ultra High Temperature: 32 oz. container. See the Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for approved brands. Not allowed: buttermilk, flavored, acidophilus treated, condensed, organic, chocolate drink, and 2% milk.	SUPPLY UPON REQUEST

CANNED PEAS OR BEANS	15 - 16 oz. Canned peas/beans. Any brand and must be a mature legume. See the Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for aproved legumes. Not allowed: vegetables, organic, added fats, meats, seasonings, oils, sauces, or creamed style.	SUPPLY UPON REQUEST

DRY PEAS OR BEANS	16 oz. Bag. Any Brand. Not allowed: added flavorings or organic.	SUPPLY UPON REQUEST

*See Alabama WIC Approved Foods Brochure for Additional Details and Pictures

Rev. November 2025

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