WIC offers eligible families a monthly benefit to purchase specific foods that support healthy eating. WIC participants receive their benefits on an eWIC card, which works like a debit card, to pay for their WIC foods.
What's required to become a WIC grocery vendor?
- Accept Food Stamps/SNAP or have an application pending.
- Sell a full line of grocery staples including fresh or frozen uncooked meat.
- Carry these WIC-approved foods and amounts: Minimum Stock Requirements.
- Charge prices that are competitive with stores like yours.
- Get infant formula from an
allowed distributor.
- Be open at least 5 days a week for at least 8 hours a day.
- Use a point-of-sale system that accepts eWIC.
- Have a permanent, fixed location with adequate refrigeration, freezer, and shelf space in the retail area.
To apply, please send an email to: wic.vendorservices@odhsoha.oregon.gov. If you have any questions, call the Vendor Answer Line at 1-877-807-0889.
What foods must my store carry for WIC?
The types of foods that must be on your store's shelves for WIC shoppers include:
- Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables - Whole grains and whole wheat bread - Dairy products and eggs - Cereal – cold and hot - Canned or dried beans | - Infant formula - Baby food and baby cereal - Peanut butter - Canned fish - Juice |
WIC approves foods for participants using specific nutrition standards. Check the WIC Food List for eligible brands and sizes. Vendors are required to keep a minimum amount of foods stocked for WIC shoppers. Here is the full list of Minimum Stock Requirements. Small stores looking to boost produce sales or add more fruit and vegetable options, see our video How to Make Money Selling Produce.
What equipment does my store need to accept the eWIC card?
eWIC is the system used to purchase WIC foods in the store. Follow the steps below to see if your store is ready to accept eWIC before you submit your application:
- Learn what software and version are installed on your store's Point of Sale (POS) system.
- Check to see if your store's POS system is on the list of eWIC Certified Systems.
- If your store's system is not on the list, it is not eWIC-ready.
- To get your store's system eWIC-ready, upgrade your system or lease a stand-beside POS terminal from our eWIC Processor (FIS).
- A stand-beside POS terminal from FIS
- Requires a dedicated phone or broadband connection by the register.
- Can be set up to accept eWIC and SNAP, or eWIC-only.
- A terminal lease includes a monthly maintenance fee and transaction fees.
Here is the eWIC readiness assessment you would fill out as part of the authorization process.
Application process for pharmacies
- WIC authorizes pharmacies to sell infant formula and medical formula only.
- Pharmacies are not required to carry a full line of groceries.
- Pharmacies are not subject to Minimum Stock Requirements. Pharmacies must special-order a WIC-approved infant or medical formula within 72 hours.
- Accept Food Stamps/SNAP or have an application pending.
- Charge prices that are competitive with stores like yours.
- Get infant formula from an allowed distributor.
- Be open at least 5 days a week for at least 8 hours a day.
- Use a point-of-sale system that accepts eWIC.
- Have a permanent, fixed location.
To apply as a pharmacy, please send an email to: wic.vendorservices@odhsoha.oregon.gov