Archived Important Vendor News
Information for WIC-Allowed Grocery Stores & Pharmacies
Archived March 27, 2013
UPC/Product Updates posted 12/20/12 and 1/23/2013
Updates to the WIC-Allowed Foods were posted on December 20, 2012 and January 23, 2013. The Updates can be accessed on our website at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/fpchng/upc/index.html
Once on this page, click on the following section found near the top of the page:
Update Section for UPC/Product Listing
The most recent Updates are at the top of the list and titled:
If you have any questions regarding the WIC-Allowed Foods, please contact Karilyn Schrankler at: karilyn.schrankler@state.mn.us.
Archived January 31, 2013
UPC/Product Update posted online November 21, 2012
An Update to the WIC-Allowed Foods was posted on November 21, 2012. The Update can be accessed on our website at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/fpchng/upc/index.html
Once on this page, click on the following section found near the top of the page:
Update Section for UPC/Product Listing
The most recent Update is at the top of the list and titled:
If you have any questions regarding the WIC-Allowed Foods, please contact Karilyn Schrankler at: karilyn.schrankler@state.mn.us.
Archived November 1, 2012
Updated Maximum Prices for the WIC-Allowed Foods
The Minnesota WIC Program Maximum Price List has been updated to reflect both the initial Gerber Good Start Soy formula prices as well as the recent price increases of the Similac milk-based formulas. If you have questions, please contact Rick Chiat at (651) 201-4401 or by email at: rick.chiat@state.mn.us.
Shelf Price Survey Due October 25, 2012
Your store will soon receive the September 2012 Shelf Price Survey (either directly or through your store's corporate office) that must be completed and returned to the address listed on the price survey. The deadline for the return of the price survey is October 25, 2012. The WIC Maximum Price List is updated based on the information gathered from these surveys.
UPC/Product Update Posted On-line September 12, 2012
An Update to the WIC-Allowed Foods was posted on September, 2012. The Update can be accessed on our website at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/fpchng/upc/index.html
Once on this page, click on the following section found near the top of the page:
Update Section for UPC/Product Listing
The most recent Update is at the top of the list and titled:
If you have any questions regarding the WIC-Allowed Foods, please contact Karilyn Schrankler at: karilyn.schrankler@state.mn.us.
Infant Formula Bid Award
As we previously communicated to you, our current infant formula contract with Abbott Nutrition ends on September 30, 2012. A new Infant Formula Bid was issued in January 2012. The infant formula bids were opened March 20th and the bid award was announced recently. Three companies submitted bids: Mead Johnson, Abbott Nutrition and Gerber, a subsidiary of Nestle.
Abbott Nutrition has been awarded the contract for our milk-based formulas, for at least the next three years. This means that there will be no change in the minimum stock requirements for the primary formula issued by the WIC program.
However, Gerber and its Good Start soy-based powder, concentrate and ready-to-feed formulas has been awarded the contract for our soy-based formulas. This change will mean that effective October 1st, all vouchers for soy-based formula will reflect the new Gerber soy formulas. Consequently, if you have WIC customers who are receiving soy formula, you need to be sure that you have Gerber Good Start soy formula available for these customers to purchase on October 1st.
If you should have any questions regarding the results of the infant formula bid, please contact Rick Chiat, WIC Food Delivery Unit Supervisor, at (651) 201-4401.
Archived September 26, 2012
Updated Maximum Prices for the WIC-Allowed Foods
The Minnesota WIC Program Maximum Price List (PDF: 38KB/2 pages) has been updated based on the results of the price surveys that stores submitted in April 2012. If you have questions, please contact Rick Chiat at (651) 201-4401 or by email at: rick.chiat@state.mn.us.
Reminder to Sign up for Store Group Trainings Summer 2012
Store Group training sessions will be held across the state this summer. Interactive training is required for WIC-authorized vendors every three years. This year, we will offer in-person as well as video conference options for attending training, and online registration will be available. Information about training session dates, times and places was sent to you in late April, along with instructions on how to register. To register online, please click on:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/vendortraining.html
UPC/Product Update posted online May 22, 2012
An Update to the WIC-Allowed Foods was posted on May 22, 2012. The Update can be accessed on our website at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/fpchng/upc/index.html
Once on this page, click on the following section found near the top of the page:
Update Section for UPC/Product Listing
The most recent Update is at the top of the list and titled:
If you have any questions regarding the WIC-Allowed Foods, please contact Karilyn Schrankler at: karilyn.schrankler@state.mn.us.
Updated Special Formula Price List March 2012
The Special Formula Price List has been updated and can be found on our website at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/rqrmnts/spclfrml.pdf
Archived May 24, 2012
Shelf Price Survey Due April 25, 2012
Your store should have received the Spring 2012 Shelf Price Survey (either directly or through your store's corporate office) that must be completed and returned to the address listed on the price survey. The deadline for the return of the price survey is April 25, 2012.
The survey can also be found online at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/rqrmnts/survey.pdf
The WIC Maximum Price List is updated based on the information gathered from these surveys. The current Maximum Price List is on our website at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/rqrmnts/newprcng.pdf
WIC Allowed Refrigerated Orange Juice Changes
Updated: March 5, 2012
As a result of the downsizing of the name brand refrigerated orange juices that have occurred over the past year, we have made a change in the WIC Allowed juices:
- Effective March 1, 2012, WIC customers can purchase WIC Allowed brands of refrigerated orange juice in either a 59 or 64 ounce size container.
- WIC participants will begin to receive vouchers in March that list the option to purchase either a 59 or 64 ounce container of 100% juice. Once this message appears on the WIC vouchers, WIC customers shopping at your store should be allowed to purchase either a 59 ounce or a 64 ounce size container of refrigerated orange juice in the brands authorized for the program. If a WIC customer still has a voucher that reflects the 64 ounce size containers of juice, your store can allow that customer the option to purchase a WIC allowed 59 ounce size container of refrigerated orange juice in lieu of the 64 ounce size container.
- The complete list of WIC Allowed brands of refrigerated orange juice on the Minnesota WIC Program is on our web site at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/fpchng/upc/refrigjuice.pdf.
- There are several 59 ounce refrigerated orange juices that are not WIC Allowed because they do not provide 120% Vitamin C per serving. These products include Minute Maid Pure Squeezed orange juice and all of the Simply Juice products. Please also note that there are no 59 ounce 100% grapefruit juices that provide 120% Vitamin C per serving.
- Please direct any questions or issues regarding the WIC Allowed refrigerated orange juices to Karilyn Schrankler at (651) 201-5398 or karilyn.schrankler@state.mn.us.
Store Cashier Training DVD now Online
The Cashier Training DVD is now available for viewing online. This DVD is a great tool for educating new store cashiers on the handling of WIC transactions and can serve as a good reminder for existing staff on the current WIC foods and how to process WIC vouchers correctly. The online DVD can be accessed at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/dvd.html
Archived April 23, 2012
Shelf Price Survey in March 2012
In March 2012, each retail food store will receive a Shelf Price Survey (either directly or through your store's corporate office) that must be completed and returned to the address listed on the price survey. The deadline for the return of the price survey is April 25, 2012. The WIC Maximum Price List is updated based on the information gathered from these surveys. The current Maximum Price list can be found at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/rqrmnts/newprcng.pdf.
Archived March 5, 2012
Revised Maximum Prices for the WIC-Allowed Foods
The Minnesota WIC Program Maximum Price List (PDF: 31KB/2 pages) has been updated based on the results of the price surveys that stores submitted in October 2011. If you have questions, please contact Rick Chiat at (651) 201-4401 or by email at: rick.chiat@state.mn.us.
WIC Vendor Newsletter, Volume 11, Number 2
The September 2011 edition of the WIC Vendor Newsletter, entitled WIC Matters (PDF: 680KB/8 pages), was recently mailed out to every retail food vendor in the State. This edition of the newsletter contains important information including the results of recent store monitoring visits and compliance activities, and the adjustment to the Maximum Price List due to the contract formula price increase. There is a page of UPC/Product updates to the WIC-Allowed foods, and this edition contains the yearly vendor Training Section.
Archived November 23, 2011
WIC Vendor Newsletter, Volume 11, Number 2
The September 2011 edition of the WIC Vendor Newsletter, entitled WIC Matters (PDF: 680KB/8 pages), was recently mailed out to every retail food vendor in the State. This edition of the newsletter contains important information including the results of recent store monitoring visits and compliance activities, and the adjustment to the Maximum Price List due to the contract formula price increase. There is a page of UPC/Product updates to the WIC-Allowed foods, and this edition contains the yearly vendor Training Section.
Maximum Price list adjustments made for Infant Formula price increase
The Minnesota WIC Program Maximum Prices for WIC-Allowed Foods has been updated to reflect the formula price increases that took effect September 1, 2011. These price changes are highlighted in bold on page 2 of this document found on our website at:
Maximum Prices for WIC-Allowed Foods - updated September 2011
Please note that a new price survey will be sent to each vendor in late September. Each vendor should complete this price survey using the revised formula prices. There may be further adjustments in the formula pricing based on the results of this September price survey.
Revised Maximum Prices for the WIC-Allowed Foods
The Minnesota WIC Program Maximum Price List has been updated based on the results of the price surveys that stores submitted in April 2011. If you have questions, please contact Rick Chiat at (651) 201-4401 or by email at: rick.chiat@state.mn.us.
Change in Agency Numbers on Green Color WIC Vouchers
You may have noticed that the WIC Agency numbers printed on the green color WIC vouchers are different from what you may have been used to before. These Agency numbers have changed with the new WIC computer system used to print the vouchers.
A list of the new Agency numbers, WIC Agencies by Agency Number (PDF: 22KB/3 pages), can be found on our website.
This information may be helpful if you have an unsigned voucher or find a lost voucher or WIC ID Folder and need to call the local WIC Agency for assistance. You may also contact the State WIC Program at 651-201-4417 or by email at theresa.graham@state.mn.us.
Archived May 31, 2011
Revised Maximum Prices for the WIC-Allowed Foods
The Minnesota WIC Program Maximum Price List (PDF: 17.98KB/2 pages) has been updated based on results of the price surveys that stores submitted in October 2010.
Update on the Green Color WIC Vouchers
As detailed on page 2 of the last WIC Matters vendor newsletter (PDF: 1.78MB/1 page), your store may already be seeing or will soon be seeing the light green color WIC vouchers which will gradually replace the rose/pink color vouchers that you are familiar with. Both the rose/pink and green color Minnesota WIC vouchers must be accepted at your store.
The color of the vouchers is changing as we rollout a new computer system throughout the state. This system was rolled out in Dakota County in September and in Hennepin County in November. Ramsey County will be rolled out in early January 2011 followed by the rest of the state. By the end of March 2011, all counties in the state will have this new computer system, and will be issuing only green vouchers. There will be no more rose/pink color vouchers presented to your store after June 30, 2011.
List of WIC-Allowed Canned Beans Expanded
Many more canned beans have been added to the WIC-Allowed Food list, due to the allowance of canned beans with added sugar. This change means that WIC participants should have an easier time selecting canned beans, including kidney beans. The list of canned beans newly added can be found on our website at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/fpchng/upc/updates/beans122810.pdf
A complete listing of WIC-Allowed canned beans can be found on our website at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/fpchng/upc/download/canbeanspdf.cfm
WIC Shopping Guide Updated, Reprinted and Now Available
The WIC Shopping Guide has been updated for 2011.
The main updates you will see in the revised WIC Shopping Guide are listed below:
1. The Juice page was redesigned:
- All of the WIC-Allowed 64 ounce shelf-stable name brand juices are now pictured. There is also a listing of the store brand juices.
- The 59 ounce size juice containers have been added to the NOT ALLOWED listing for juices.
- We will continue to monitor the size of the orange juice containers in 2011.
- Minute Maid orange juice is one name brand refrigerated orange juice that is still packaged in a 64 ounce container. There are a number of store brand refrigerated options that are also available.
2. The Whole Grains page now contains pictures all of the name brand Tortillas and Breads that are WIC-Allowed. It also lists the allowable store brands.
3. The Beans and Peanut Butter page has a new look, but the main change is that canned beans with added sugar are now considered WIC-Allowed.
4. The Infant Foods page has been revised:
- All of the Nature’s Goodness brand products have been removed, as the company is no longer manufacturing those products.
- The infant formula pictures and product size information have been updated.
- The specific brands of the 4 ounce WIC-Allowed twin packs of infant fruits and vegetables are now pictured:
- The Up and Up brand is available only at Target.
- The Parent’s Choice brand is available only at Wal-Mart.
- The HyVee brand is available only at the HyVee stores.
The updated WIC Shopping Guide can be viewed online at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/fpchng/shopguide.pdf
The updated WIC Shopping Guide can be ordered using the following link:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/comm/ordering.html
WIC Allowed Food Guide (Cashier's Guide) Updated, Reprinted and Now Available
The WIC Allowed Food Guide (Cashier's Guide) has been updated to reflect those changes made to the WIC Shopping Guide, described above. The updated WIC Allowed Food Guide (Cashier's Guide) can be found at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/fpchng/cashier.pdf
The updated WIC Allowed Food Guide (Cashier’s Guide) can be ordered using the following link:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/comm/ordering.html
New Minnesota WIC Store Cashier Training DVD is now Available
An updated Cashier Training DVD is now available. The DVD reflects current WIC foods and contains guidance on WIC transactions. One copy will soon be sent to each store. More can be ordered using the following link:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/comm/ordering.html
Sign up to receive notification of updates to the UPC/Product listing
The online UPC/Product listing of WIC-Allowed foods is often revised. Revisions identify new brands, discontinued products and product changes sent to us by the manufacturer. Changes to this list are complied on an Update page and can be found on the website at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/fpchng/upc/updates/index.html
If you would like to receive email notification when these UPC changes are posted to the website, please sign up by sending an email to: Karilyn.Schrankler@state.mn.us
Archived November 20, 2010
WIC Matters Newsletter
The latest edition of the WIC Vendor Newsletter, entitled WIC Matters (PDF: 1.30MB/12 pages), was recently mailed out to every retail food vendor in the State. This edition of the newsletter contains important information on the upcoming voucher changes and a number of important reminders, including the need to apply for reauthorization.
Archived May 24, 2010
MN WIC Shelf Labels
We have developed Minnesota WIC shelf labels that stores can print out and use immediately. We will be sending these shelf labels out to be printed and will mail them out to stores as soon as they are available.
Maximum Prices for the New WIC-Allowed Foods
Listed below are the maximum prices assigned to the new WIC foods that WIC customers can begin to purchase on August 1, 2009. The maximum prices for the current list of WIC foods remain the same as before (see the May 2009 maximum price list below).
- Maximum prices for the new WIC-Allowed foods (PDF: 16.86KB/2 pages) - updated August, 2009
- Maximum prices for the current list of WIC-Allowed foods (PDF: 14.46KB/1 page) - updated May, 2009
Fresh Choices! UPC Codes
The UPC/Product Listings for the new WIC foods are now available.
Revised Maximum Prices for the WIC-Allowed Foods
The Minnesota WIC Program Maximum Price List has been updated based on results of the price surveys that stores submitted in April 2009.
Fresh Choices! Minnesota WIC Program Training Materials
The Minnesota WIC vendor unit is currently training all retail food WIC vendors on the August 1, 2009 changes in the Minnesota WIC foods. The materials that we are using in our training presentation include the following:
- PowerPoint presentation for Tier 1 vendors - Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, and Ramsey Counties (PDF: 1.02MB/81 pages)
- PowerPoint presentation for Tier 2 vendors - All other counties (PDF: 1.02MB/81 pages)
- Examples of WIC vouchers with the new WIC foods (WORD: 605KB/7 pages)
- Minnesota 2011-2012 WIC Shopping Guide (PDF: 995KB/13 pages)
- Minnesota WIC Cashier Reference Guide (PDF: 240KB/2 pages)
- Minnesota WIC Cashier Reference Guide - Spanish (PDF: 519KB/2 pages)
- Minimum Stock Requirements for the new WIC foods - Tier 1 (WORD: 36KB/2 pages)
- Minimum Stock Requirements for the new WIC foods - Tier 2 (WORD: 34KB/2 pages)
- Cashier checklist (revised) (WORD: 118KB/2 pages)
August 2009 WIC Food Package Information and Materials
This WIC WIC Vendor Requirements and Responsibilities section of the web site has been updated to include detailed information on the changes in the WIC foods that will take effect on August 1, 2009. On the Fresh Choices! The Minnesota WIC Program's Food Package Changes page, you will find the following items:
- Spotlight on the Minnesota WIC Program's Food Package Changes
- Minnesota WIC Cashier Reference Guide - Effective August 1, 2009 (PDF: 240KB/2 pages)
- New WIC Shopping Guide - Effective August 1, 2009 (PDF: 1.56MB/12 pages)
- New WIC Shopping Guide - Effective August 1, 2009 - Spanish (PDF: 1.24MB/12 pages)
State WIC Rule Changes
Earlier this year, we sent information to each store regarding possible amendments to the state rules governing the WIC Program. These amendments are primarily related to the food package changes discussed above. We have continued to work with the Vendor Advisory Group on the rule revisions, and expect to publish the proposed rule within the next few weeks. A summary of the proposed changes, including the proposed minimum stock requirements, can be found at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/vendor/rqrmnts/rules.html.
Archived April 22, 2009
Revised Maximum Prices for the WIC-Allowed Foods
The Minnesota WIC Program Maximum Price List (PDF: 14.50KB/1 page) has been updated based on results of the price surveys that stores submitted in October 2008.
The Minnesota WIC Program Special Formula Price List (PDF: 30.32KB/4 pages) has been updated to reflect recent manufacturer pricing and product changes.
Archived November 25, 2008
New Maximum Prices for WIC-Allowed Foods
The Minnesota WIC Program "Maximum Prices for WIC-Allowed Foods" has been updated based on the results of the price surveys that stores recently submitted. These revised prices take effect immediately.
State WIC Office Staffing Change
We have updated the Minnesota Vendor Contact list (WORD: 47.0KB/2 pages) to reflect the most recent staffing change that has occurred at the State WIC office. Erin Kelsey has replaced Rod Himon as a WIC Vendor Consultant. You can contact Erin at (651) 201-4415.
State WIC Rule Changes
We are starting to work on updating our current State WIC rule to accommodate the changes in the WIC foods that will take effect in August 2009. We have assembled a broad based vendor advisory group to discuss the proposed changes in the Rule and the key issues that stores may experience in implementing the food changes. We will soon be sending out to every store a "Request for Comments" notice concerning the proposed changes to the WIC Rule.
If you have any questions or comments about the changes in the WIC foods or the proposed changes in our State WIC Rule, please contact Rick Chiat at (651) 201-4401, or by e-mail at: rick.chiat@state.mn.us
Archived May 8, 2008
New Food Package Rule
As we discussed at the September training sessions, the United States Department of Agriculture has issued a new Rule changing the foods that are authorized for the WIC program. We will need to implement these food package changes no later than August 2009.
- Fact Sheet for Retailers - WIC Food Packages...Time for a Change (WORD: 73KB/1 page) - a description of the major changes
- The New Food Package Rule
Further information regarding the implementation of these food package changes will be forthcoming. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Rick Chiat at (651) 201-4401.
State WIC Office Staffing Changes
We have updated the Minnesota Vendor Contact list (WORD: 47.0KB/2 pages)to reflect the recent staffing changes that have occurred at the State WIC office. The first change is that Rod Himon has left his position as a WIC Vendor Consultant. We are currently in the process of filling this position. The second change is that Monica Denson has recently assumed a new position in the State WIC office as the WIC Program Integrity Specialist. You can contact Monica whenever you have a concern or complaint about a WIC customer at (651) 201-4416. If you have any questions about these staffing changes, please contact Rick Chiat at (651) 201-4401.
Archived December 11, 2007
The Minnesota Special Formula Pricing List
The Minnesota Special Formula Pricing List (PDF: 18.57KB/4 pages) has been updated to reflect recent price increases in a number of the special formulas contained on the list.
Maximum Prices for WIC-Allowed Foods
The Minnesota WIC Program Maximum Price Listing (PDF: 22.28KB/1 page) has been updated based on the results of the price surveys that stores submitted in September. These revised prices take effect on November 1, 2007.
Archived October 31, 2007
Maximum Prices for WIC-Allowed Foods
The Minnesota WIC Program Maximum Price Listing (PDF: 30.31KB/1 page) has been updated to reflect the October 1, 2007 Ross Similac formula change and also contains an upward adjustment in the price of eggs.
We expect that there will be further adjustments in the Minnesota WIC Program Maximum Price Listing (PDF: 30.31KB/1 page) in late October after the results of the price survey are tallied.
Archived October 10, 2007
September Group Trainings
The state WIC program is currently conducting mandatory training sessions for WIC vendors across the State. If you have not yet signed up for a session, please do so using the following registrations materials:
