nebraska wic nutrition programdhhs.ne.gov/wic documents/wic vendor handbook... · 10/1/2017 ·...
TRANSCRIPT
NEBRASKA WIC VENDOR HANDBOOK
Grocery Store Version October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2019
Produced by
Nebraska WIC Nutrition Program
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Lifespan Health Services Unit
Available in Alternate Forms
dhhs.ne.gov/wic
SPECIAL THANKS
To WIC store owners, managers and employees:
Thank you from the WIC staff for your cooperation with the Nebraska WIC program. The WIC foods listed on the checks have been carefully selected to help meet the special nutritional needs of the mothers, infants and children we serve. Your role in providing these foods is a VITAL one in the delivery of service to mothers and their children across our State. WIC foods your store provides help families achieve optimal health and wellness.
This handbook has been developed as a resource for all of your employees involved in WIC transactions. If you have questions about WIC foods or WIC procedures, or if you have any problems with the WIC Program or a WIC shopper, please feel free to contact your Local Agency WIC Vendor Manager. We appreciate your input and comments!
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies,
the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are
prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for
benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal
Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than
English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027)
found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter
addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the
complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1)Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: [email protected].
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider”
301 Centennial Mall South Lincoln, NE 68509 Phone (402) 471-2781 TDD (402) 471-9570
WIC BASICS 1-9 What is WIC 1 WIC Vocabulary 1 WIC Eligibility 2 WIC Benefits 2 Role of the Vendor 3 Vendor Selection 3 Vendor Training 8 WIC Store Contract 8 Confidentiality of Vendor Information 8 Vendor Manager List 9
WIC FOODS & MINIMUM INVENTORY 10-34 Size Substitutions & Allowable Exchanges 10 Minimum Inventory & WIC Approved Foods 10
Cereals 11 Tortillas 16 Pasta 17 Bread 18 Brown Rice 18 Milk 19 Soy Milk 19 Cheese 20 Eggs 20 Yogurt 21 Evaporated Milk 23 Dried Beans 23 Peanut Butter 23 Canned Beans 24 Tuna & Salmon 24 Juice 25 Baby Foods & Formulas 31
Semiannual Food Price Lists 34
WIC Checks 38-41 Identification 38 Check Cashing Procedures 40 Returned WIC Checks 41
SANCTIONS 43-55 Sanction Vocabulary 43 State Agency Violation 44 Implementing the Sanction System 45 Mandatory Federal Violations 46 Notification of Vendor Violations 47 Civil Money Penalties in Lieu of Disqualification 48 Administrative Appeal Procedures 50 Vendor Responsibility 53
WHAT IS WIC? Proper nutrition and health care are very important to the growth and development of children. This is especially true during pregnancy and early childhood. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program was established by Congress in 1972 in recognition of this need for adequate nutrition in pregnancy and early childhood. WIC began in Nebraska in 1975. The WIC Program strives to prevent health problems before they occur by providing nutritious foods to pregnant, breastfeeding and delivered mothers, infants and young children.
WIC Provides Supplemental Food Packages WIC Provides Nutrition and Health Education WIC Encourages Regular Medical Care
Funding for the WIC Program comes from the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture. The funds are made available to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, which provides grants to local agencies to operate WIC clinics throughout Nebraska. The WIC Program currently provides benefits to approximately 37,000 people per month in Nebraska.
“It is the combination of foods, education, and referrals to health care which gives WIC the ability to really make a difference!”
WIC Vocabulary
To acquaint you with the WIC vocabulary, the following terms are defined. Vendor: Retail merchants who participate in the WIC Program.
WIC Vendor Manager: The person in each Local Agency who works with the vendors.
State WIC Vendor Management Coordinator: The person at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services who works with the vendors and the local agency vendor managers.
Participants: Women, infants, and children who are certified to be eligible for WIC.
WIC check (also sometimes called a “food instrument”): The method of payment used by participants for WIC foods. There are two types of WIC checks.
Regular WIC Check: The specific WIC supplemental foods and the quantities of those foods are identified on the check.
Fruit and Vegetable: WIC Check (also sometimes called a “cash value voucher”): A check with a fixed dollar amount which is used by the participant to obtain authorized fruits and vegetables.
Reference to a WIC check includes both the regular WIC check and the fruit and vegetable WIC check.
Food prescription: Specially selected foods identified on the WIC check for each participant.
Approved WIC supplemental foods: The only foods that can be purchased with WIC checks.
Sanction: An administrative action taken as a result of a violation in the WIC Program.
Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP): Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
WIC ELIGIBILITY WIC is a preventative program that provides nutrition education and special foods to assist in obtaining an adequate diet for:
WOMEN Who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have recently had a baby INFANTS Newborns through the first year CHILDREN Age 1 to age 5
Those participants qualifying for participation in the Nebraska WIC Program must meet the following criteria:
Meet income guidelines of the program. Be a resident of the State of Nebraska. Be determined to be at nutritional risk by a qualified nutritionist and/or nurse through a
health and diet assessment. Risk factors may be: anemia, high risk pregnancy, abnormal growth, or poor dietary intake.
Eligibility for participation in the Nebraska WIC Program is reviewed periodically.
WIC BENEFITS Supplemental Foods
WIC checks are issued in increments from one month to three months to WIC participants for the purchase of specific foods at stores authorized by WIC. The specific foods and quantities to be received by each participant are determined by the WIC health professional based on their specific need. The WIC foods available are not intended to provide a complete diet but to be good sources of the nutrients which are frequently lacking in the diets of the WIC population. The WIC Program provides foods high in nutrients including protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium and iron. These nutrients help prevent anemia and increase the birth weight of infants. They are also needed for the mental and physical development of infants and children. The WIC foods provided were significantly updated in October 2009 to expand the foods available through WIC and align with current nutritional guidelines (notably the addition of whole grain bread, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, low fat milk, canned beans, baby food, and brown rice). Foods which may be prescribed are the following.
Women & Children: Infants: Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Peanut Butter Iron Fortified Baby Cereal Milk & Milk Alternatives Canned Tuna/Salmon Baby Fruit & Vegetables
Yogurt Iron Fortified Cereal Baby Meats Natural Cheese Brown Rice Iron Fortified Formula Eggs 100% Whole Wheat Bread Soy Beverage 100% Whole Wheat Pasta Dried Beans & Peas Tortillas Canned Beans Vitamin C Fortified Juices
Health Care
Referral to other community and health agencies for more comprehensive services is made when needed or requested by the WIC participant.
Nutrition/Health Education
WIC participants receive nutrition/health education through one to one counseling, small group discussions and classes. Education emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition to good health and assists the individual at nutritional risk in changing his/her eating habits resulting in improved nutritional status and better health.
ROLE OF THE VENDOR WIC participants receive checks that are redeemed for foods and formulas at approved WIC retail stores (vendors). The regular WIC check has a prescription for specific types and amounts of foods listed on the front. The prescription on the fruit and vegetable WIC check is for authorized fresh fruits and fresh vegetables up to a certain maximum dollar amount. The retail clerk helps fill the prescription by making sure the participant receives exactly what is prescribed. Since WIC foods are designed to reduce complications of pregnancy due to poor nutrition and to promote the healthiest possible birth, growth and development of children, the vendor’s role in the program is a VITAL one. Nebraska has a system which allows participants to use their checks at any approved WIC vendor. Authorized grocery stores may accept checks for WIC foods and formula. Approved special purchase stores (pharmacies) are authorized to accept checks for specialty infant formula and medical formulas only. WIC checks are redeemed by participants, deposited by vendors, and paid to the vendors’ accounts. The Nebraska WIC Program contracts with a fiscal intermediary for check processing services.
VENDOR SELECTION The Nebraska WIC Program considers for authorization those stores which:
Provide the nutritious WIC supplemental foods at a competitive price so as to make the most efficient use of Program funds.
Offer a clean and sanitary environment for the WIC shopper. Assure adequate participant convenience and access.
The vendor application and the on-site visit are the tools used to determine vendor eligibility. Submission of a complete application by the vendor begins the review and selection process. A complete application includes the following:
Current application with all answers completed and requested information submitted. Cash register receipt samples. A completed WIC Program Application Price List.
Submission of an application does not constitute approval to participate in the Nebraska WIC Program.
The WIC Vendor must comply with the selection criteria throughout the contract period, including any changes to the criteria. Using the current vendor selection criteria, the Nebraska WIC Program may reassess the vendor at any time during the agreement period. If the vendor fails to meet the current vendor selection criteria, the agreement will be terminated.
The Nebraska WIC Program has established the following criteria to select retail grocery stores who wish to participate in the Program:
Full Service Grocery Store
A full service grocery store must primarily be a retailer of groceries rather than of other merchandise such as gasoline, beverages or snack/convenience foods.
A grocery store must stock all of the following categories of items and be able to provide upon request, the most recent inventory invoice(s) received, for each of the following categories:
10 varieties fresh fruits 10 varieties fresh vegetables 5 varieties each of fresh or frozen meats, pork, and poultry (prepackaged luncheon meats
and deli sandwiches do not qualify) 10 varieties canned and frozen vegetables 10 varieties dairy products 10 varieties cereals and breadstuffs 3 varieties Infant formula
A grocery store must have the ability to perform a split-tender transaction.
The grocery store has the capability to accept two or more forms of payment for a WIC Fruit and Vegetable check transaction.
A grocery store must have available and provide all categories of Nebraska WIC Approved foods including infant formulas, specialty infant formulas, and/or medical formulas eligible for use in the Nebraska WIC Program.
Infant formulas, specialty infant formulas and/or medical formulas must be provided within 72 hours of request.
A Full service grocery store must have a current primary permit as a food establishment (03A) issued through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. A Military commissary is considered a full service grocery store with a primary permit as a commissary (15A) issued through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
A full service grocery may have a Special Purchase Store (Pharmacy) located within the store. If the special purchase store ownership is the same, a separate application is not needed.
Wholesaler/Distributor
The store only purchases infant formula from the approved sources as maintained by the Nebraska WIC Program. Approved sources include:
Infant formula wholesalers, distributors, and retailers licensed and inspected by the regulatory authority in that jurisdiction, where they are located, whether it be a State or local authority, in accordance with State law, and registered with the Food and Drug Administration.
The grocery store is required to purchase all categories of WIC approved foods from wholesalers and/or distributors licensed and inspected by the regulatory authority in that jurisdiction where they are located, whether it be a State or local authority, in accordance with State law.
Sales
Store sales must meet the following criteria: No more than 20% of the retailer’s gross annual total sales may be from alcoholic
beverages. No more than 50% of the retailers gross annual retail food sales (actual or anticipated) may
be from the WIC program. Stores that only stock and sell WIC approved foods, also known as “WIC Only Stores”, are
not eligible for authorization as an approved Nebraska WIC Retailer. Store applicants may be required to submit supporting documentation to verify sales
information.
Receipts
The store has the capability to produce a dated cash register receipt documenting each WIC sale and identifying the specific items purchased with the WIC check. Receipt must identify the:
Store Date of purchase Product description Unit price for each item Total purchase price
Store must be able to produce a receipt for at least 60 days from the date of the WIC transaction.
Pricing
Prices submitted on the application price list are the current actual shelf prices for food. The purchase price is plainly marked on the product or shelf for each WIC approved food
item. Prices charged to WIC customers for WIC foods must be equal or less than those charged to
all other customers Prices must be competitive and are no more than 10% above the average price for a
representative group of WIC foods for all stores within the same peer group. Competitive prices for WIC approved foods must be maintained throughout the contract
period. Prices are not substantially different without reasonable explanation than those listed on
the application as observed during the on-site visit
WIC Redemption
For any store currently participating on the WIC program, there has been adequate WIC redemption activity. Adequate redemption is at least 12 or more WIC checks redeemed during the past 12 months of the current contract.
On-Site Visit
The on-site visit will include observation and verification of the following: The store makes reasonable accommodations for shoppers who have disabilities. The store is a permanent fixed location in Nebraska.
Mobile food vendors or farmers markets are not eligible for authorization as an approved Nebraska WIC vendor.
The store maintains regular business hours, a minimum of 8 hours a day, 5 days per week. Daily operating hours shall be consistent from week to week and shall be posted.
Minimum stock inventory is available for all groups of WIC approved foods required for the type of store.
Minimum stock inventory identifies the WIC approved foods and quantities required.
Expired foods do not count as inventory. Foods on order from suppliers do not count as inventory.
The store complies with safe sanitation practices and shows no evidence of a general lack of cleanliness, such as:
Foods are fresh and wholesome, with no expired foods products on the shelf. No evidence of damaged goods for regular sale. Foods properly stored. Refrigerated and/or frozen foods must have no evidence of
improper storage. No evidence of thawing and refreezing of frozen foods. Floors clean, swept and free from dirt, grime, filth, and/or excess trash and in good
repair. Garbage or refuse within the store premises are stored covered and inaccessible to
insects and/or rodents. No evidence of insects and/or rodents within the store premises. No clearly identifiable lack of cleanliness or identifiable safety issues.
Business Integrity
Correct and true information was submitted on the application. Store must maintain an active email account that is capable of receiving WIC Program
information. Email is the primary form of communication between the Nebraska WIC program and the store.
The store cannot be currently disqualified from participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the store has been assessed a SNAP civil money penalty for hardship and disqualification period that would otherwise have been imposed has not expired.
The store cannot be currently disqualified from the Medicaid Program The store cannot be currently disqualified from the WIC Program The store cannot have had a WIC application denied within the six month period preceding
the date of application. The store was not sold by its previous owner to the current WIC applicant in an attempt to
circumvent a WIC sanction.
For a store currently participating on the WIC Program, the store has implemented all required corrective actions resulting from monitoring by the WIC State or local agency, including repayment of any overcharges to the WIC Program, and has attended any required training sessions due to the accumulation of 6 or more sanction points.
The applicant, current owners, officers, or store managers, during last six years, have not been convicted of nor had a civil judgment entered against them for any activity indicating a lack of business integrity. Activities indicating a lack of business integrity include but are not limited to:
Fraud Antitrust violations Embezzlement Theft Forgery Bribery Falsification Destruction of records Making false statements Receiving stolen property Making false claims Obstruction of justice
The store has not violated the rules for use of the WIC Acronym and/or WIC Logo, which are service marks owned by the United States Department of Agriculture. The WIC Acronym and/or WIC logo cannot be used for any purpose, including promotion or incentives without prior approval from the Nebraska WIC Program.
Regulations and Policies
WIC Authorized Vendors must comply with WIC program regulations and policies, including but not limited to:
Participating in Retailer/Store training sessions Training employees regarding WIC procedures Submitting accurate price lists of WIC foods on a semi-annual basis each year Permitting monitoring for compliance and service Regularly stocking WIC approved foods to meet WIC minimum inventory requirements at
all times Complying with terms of the Vendor Agreement
VENDOR TRAINING Vendor training is required on an annual basis. Formal interactive WIC Vendor Agreement Training is required for each contract period. The vendor is required to provide and document training to all of their employees who process WIC checks in WIC procedures and regulations. Training may be required more frequently if a need exists as determined by the State WIC Office or the Local WIC Agency.
A store may request training by the WIC staff at any time during the contract period. WIC staff is available to conduct training sessions to help inform and discuss proper WIC
procedures and guidelines. Training materials are provided by the WIC Program for the retailer to use in training
staff on an on-going basis. Please feel free to contact your Local Agency WIC Vendor Manager to set up a training
session for your store employees and/or to obtain training materials.
WIC STORE CONTACT If the WIC store contact changes at any time, please notify the Local Agency WIC Vendor Manager so our files may be updated.
CONFIDENTIALITY OF VENDOR INFORMATION Confidential vendor information is any information about a vendor that individually identifies the vendor, except for vendor’s name, address, telephone number, Web-site, e-mail address, store type, and authorization status. The Nebraska WIC Program limits the disclosure of confidential information to:
Persons directly connected with the administration or enforcement of the WIC Program or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Persons directly connected with the administration or enforcement of any Federal or State
law.
A vendor that is subject to an adverse action and the confidential information concerns the vendor subject to the adverse action and is related to the adverse action.
VENDOR MANAGER LIST October 2017
Blue Valley Community Action JoAnn Zimmerman Fairbury Area Office (402) 729-2278 Central Nebraska Community Services Jessica Bratka Loup City Area Office (308) 745-0780 Central District Health Department Nicole Christensen Grand Island Area Office (308) 385-5188 Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Judy Schultz Kearney Area Office (308) 865-5356 Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska VaLarry Buskirk Gering Area Office (308) 632-2540 Douglas County Health Department Lora Marshbanks Omaha Area Office (402) 444-1770 East Central District Health Department Micaela Campuzano Columbus Area Office (402) 564-9931
Family Health Services Miguel Orozco Tecumseh Area Office (402) 335-2988 Family Service Kim Cline Lincoln Area Office (402) 441-8655 Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership Jena Fuller Pender Area Office (402) 385-6300 Jazmin Yacaman-Struble Fremont Area Office (402) 727-0608 Peoples Family Health Services Trish Guenin North Platte Area Office (308) 534-1678 Western Community Health Resources Toni Pankowski Alliance Area Office (308) 762-3696 State WIC Office Lisa Steinbach (402) 471-2781
STORE SIZE
Size of Store Determined by Number of Front-End Registers (Excluding Department Registers)
SIZE SUBSTITUTIONS
Substitutions are only allowed for the following category of WIC food in the event that the store is out of the size identified on the WIC check: MILK - Store brand half gallons of milk may be substituted when a store is out of store brand gallons. Brand name milk is not allowed. Dose not apply to soy beverage or milk alternatives.
Substitutions will NOT be permitted for any other WIC authorized food
ALLOWABLE EXCHANGES
The vendor may not provide refunds or permit exchanges for authorized WIC foods obtained with WIC checks except for exchanges of an identical WIC food when the original WIC food is defective, spoiled, or has exceeded its “sell by”, or “best if used by”, or other date limiting the sale or use of the food item. An identical authorized WIC food means the exact brand and size as the original WIC food obtained and returned by the participant.
For additional questions regarding substitutions or exchanges contact the Local WIC Agency
The lists of brand names in this manual does not in any way constitute endorsement of any product by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services or the State of Nebraska. The lists represent the current Nebraska WIC approved foods.
MINIMUM INVENTORY
Nebraska WIC Program approved vendors must keep a minimum stock inventory of foods and must be available at all times regardless of the number of purchases made throughout the day. Note: The variety and quantity in stock are defined as including both inventory on display and
on-premises, but not inventory on order from suppliers.
Brand Name Product Name
Always Save Corn Flakes
Always Save Crisp Rice
Always Save Frosted Shredded Wheat*
Always Save Toasted Oats*
Best Choice Bran Flakes*
Best Choice Corn Crisps
Best Choice Corn Flakes
Best Choice Creamy Wheat Farina
Best Choice Crispy Corn and Rice
Best Choice Crisp Rice
Best Choice Frosted Shredded Wheat*
Best Choice Frosted Shredded Wheat Bite Size Maple & Brown Sugar*
Best Choice Frosted Shredded Wheat Bite Size Strawberry*
Best Choice Happy O's*
Best Choice Rice Crisps
Best Choice Wheat Crisps*
Co Co Wheats Co Co Wheats
Cream of Rice Cream of Rice
Cream of Rice Cream of Rice Instant
Cream of Wheat Cream of Wheat 1 Minute
Cream of Wheat Cream of Wheat 10 Minutes
Cream of Wheat Cream of Wheat 2 1/2 Minutes
Cream of Wheat Cream of Wheat Instant
Cream of Wheat Cream of Wheat Instant Healthy Grain Original*
Cream of Wheat Whole Grain Cream of Wheat*
Fareway Corn Flakes
Fareway Corn Squares
Fareway Crisp Rice
Fareway Crispy Hexagons
Fareway Enriched Bran Flakes*
Fareway Frosted Shredded Wheat*
Fareway Nutty Nuggets*
Fareway Oat Wise*
Specifications Total quantity of cereal
purchased must be equal to or less than the quantity indicated on the check
Packages sizes less than 12 oz. are not allowed for cold cereals
Required Inventory All Stores Cold Cereals
Must carry 6 varieties of cold cereal. 4 of which must be whole grain.
Must be a minimum of 12 boxes of cold cereal on display
12 oz. or larger
Hot Cereals Must carry 1 variety of hot
cereal Must be a minimum of 2
boxes on display
(*) Asterisks mark whole grain
CEREALS
Brand Name Product Name
Fareway Rice Squares
Fareway Tasteeos*
Fareway Wheat Squares*
General Mills Berry Berry Kix*
General Mills Cheerios*
General Mills Cinnamon Chex
General Mills Corn Chex
General Mills Fiber One Honey Clusters*
General Mills Honey Kix*
General Mills Kix*
General Mills MultiGrain Cheerios*
General Mills Rice Chex
General Mills Vanilla Chex
General Mills Wheat Chex*
General Mills Wheaties*
General Mills Whole Grain Total*
Great Value Bite Size Frosted Shredded Wheat*
Great Value Bran Flakes*
Great Value Corn Flakes
Great Value Corn Squares
Great Value Crisp Rice
Great Value Crunchy Honey Oats
Great Value O's*
Great Value Rice Crispers
Great Value Rice Squares
Great Value Toasted Multi-Grain Spins*
Great Value Wheat Squares*
Hy-Vee Bran Flakes*
Hy-Vee Corn Flakes
Hy-Vee Crispy Rice
Hy-Vee Double Crunch
Hy-Vee Fiber Nuts*
Hy-Vee Original Flavor Instant Oatmeal*
Hy-Vee Simple Living Original*
Hy-Vee Tasteeos*
Specifications Total quantity of cereal
purchased must be equal to or less than the quantity indicated on the check
Packages sizes less than 12 oz. are not allowed for cold cereals
Required Inventory All Stores Cold Cereals
Must carry 6 varieties of cold cereal. 4 of which must be whole grain.
Must be a minimum of 12 boxes of cold cereal on display
12 oz. or larger
Hot Cereals Must carry 1 variety of hot
cereal Must be a minimum of 2
boxes on display
(*) Asterisks mark whole grain
CEREALS
Brand Name Product Name
Hy-Vee Toasted Corn
Hy-Vee Toasted Rice
Hy-Vee Toasted Wheat*
IGA Bran Flakes*
IGA Bite Size Frosted Blueberry Shredded Wheat*
IGA Bite Size Frosted Shredded Wheat*
IGA Bite Size Frosted Strawberry Shredded Wheat*
IGA Bite Size Shredded Wheat*
IGA Corn Flakes
IGA Corn Squares
IGA Crispy Corn & Rice
IGA Crispy Rice
IGA Honey Oats & Flakes
IGA Nutty Nuggets*
IGA Original Instant Oatmeal *
IGA Rice Squares
IGA Tasteeos*
Kellogg's All Bran Complete Wheat Flakes*
Kellogg's Corn Flakes
Kellogg's Crispix
Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats Little Bites*
Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats Original*
Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats Touch of Fruit in the Middle Raspberry*
Kellogg's Rice Krispies
Kellogg's Special K Original
Kellogg's Unfrosted Mini Wheats*
Kroger Bran Flakes*
Kroger Corn Flakes
Kroger Crispy Rice
Kroger Bite Size Frosted Shredded Wheat*
Kroger Blueberry Bite Size Frosted Shredded Wheat*
Kroger Strawberry Cream Bite Size Frosted Shredded Wheat *
Kroger Honey Crisp Medley With Almonds
Specifications Total quantity of cereal
purchased must be equal to or less than the quantity indicated on the check
Packages sizes less than 12 oz. are not allowed for cold cereals
Required Inventory All Stores Cold Cereals
Must carry 6 varieties of cold cereal. 4 of which must be whole grain.
Must be a minimum of 12 boxes of cold cereal on display
12 oz. or larger
Hot Cereals Must carry 1 variety of hot
cereal Must be a minimum of 2
boxes on display
(*) Asterisks mark whole grain
CEREALS
Brand Name Product Name
Kroger Instant Oatmeal Original*
Kroger Living Well*
Kroger Nutty Nuggets*
Kroger Oat Squares*
Kroger Rice Bitz
Kroger Toasted Oats*
Malt O Meal Blueberry Mini Spooners*
Malt O Meal Chocolate Hot Wheat Cereal
Malt O Meal Corn Flakes
Malt O Meal Crispy Rice
Malt O Meal Frosted Mini Spooners*
Malt O Meal Original Hot Wheat Cereal
Malt O Meal Strawberry Mini Spooners*
Market Pantry Corn Flakes
Market Pantry Toasted Oats*
Market Pantry Toasted Rice
Our Family 4 Corner Crunch Original *
Our Family Bran Flakes*
Our Family Corn Biscuits
Our Family Corn Flakes
Our Family Crispy Hexagons
Our Family Crispy Rice
Our Family Frosted Shredded Wheat*
Our Family Frosted Shredded Wheat Strawberry Cream *
Our Family Instant Oatmeal Regular*
Our Family Multigrain Toasted Oats*
Our Family Oats & More with Almonds
Our Family Oats & More With Honey
Our Family Rice Biscuits
Our Family Toasted Oats*
Our Family Essentially You
Our Family Wheat Biscuits*
Post Alpha-Bits*
Post Bran Flakes*
Post Grape Nuts Flakes*
Specifications Total quantity of cereal
purchased must be equal to or less than the quantity indicated on the check
Packages sizes less than 12 oz. are not allowed for cold cereals
Required Inventory All Stores Cold Cereals
Must carry 6 varieties of cold cereal. 4 of which must be whole grain.
Must be a minimum of 12 boxes of cold cereal on display
12 oz. or larger
Hot Cereals Must carry 1 variety of hot
cereal Must be a minimum of 2
boxes on display
(*) Asterisks mark whole grain
CEREALS
Brand Name Product Name
Post Grape Nuts Original*
Post Great Grains Banana Nut Crunch*
Post Honey Bunches of Oats Honey Roasted
Post Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain Almond Crunch*
Post Honey Bunches of Oats Whole Grain Honey Crunch*
Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds
Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Cinnamon Bunches
Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Vanilla Bunches*
Post Honey Nut Shredded Wheat*
Quaker Instant Grits - Original
Quaker Life - Original*
Quaker Oatmeal Squares - Cinnamon*
Quaker Oatmeal Squares - Hint of Brown Sugar*
Signature Kitchens Bite Size Frosted Shredded Wheat*
Signature Kitchens Bite -Sized Shredded Wheat*
Signature Kitchens Bran Flakes*
Signature Kitchens Corn Flakes
Signature Kitchens Crispy Rice
Signature Kitchens Live it Up!*
Signature Kitchens Oats & More with Almonds
Signature Kitchens Oats & More with Honey
Signature Kitchens Original Flavor Instant Oatmeal*
Signature Kitchens Rice Pockets
Signature Kitchens Toasted Oats*
Sunbelt Bakery
Simple Granola Cereal*
Specifications Total quantity of cereal
purchased must be equal to or less than the quantity indicated on the check
Packages sizes less than 12 oz. are not allowed for cold cereals
Required Inventory All Stores Cold Cereals
Must carry 6 varieties of cold cereal. 4 of which must be whole grain.
Must be a minimum of 12 boxes of cold cereal on display
12 oz. or larger
Hot Cereals Must carry 1 variety of hot
cereal Must be a minimum of 2
boxes on display
(*) Asterisks mark whole grain
CEREALS
Brand Name Product Name
Best Choice Corn Tortillas
Best Choice Whole Wheat Tortillas
CHI-CHI'S Whole Wheat Tortillas
CHI-CHI'S White Corn Tortillas
Don Pancho White Corn Tortillas
Don Pancho Whole Wheat Tortillas
Frescados Whole Wheat Flour Tortilla
Great Value Whole Wheat Tortillas
Guerrero White Corn Tortillas
IGA White Corn Tortillas
IGA Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas
Kroger Whole Wheat Tortillas
La Banderita 100% Whole Wheat Tortillas
La Banderita Grande Corn Tortillas
La Banderita White Corn Tortillas
La Banderita Yellow Corn Tortillas
La Burrita Corn Tortillas
Mama Lupes 100% Whole Wheat Tortilla
Mama Lupe's Corn Tortillas
MiCasa 100% Whole Wheat Tortillas
Mission Whole Wheat flour tortillas
Mission Yellow Corn Tortillas
Ortega Whole Wheat Tortillas
Our Family Whole Wheat Tortillas
Our Family White Corn Tortillas
Our Family Whole Wheat Tortillas
Our Family Yellow Corn Tortillas
Signature Kitchens Whole Wheat Tortillas
Specifications 16 oz. packages only No hard shells
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have 4 packages of any authorized brand
TORTILLAS
Specifications 16 oz. packages only
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have 2 packages Must carry 2 varieties
Brand Name Product Name
Barilla Whole Grain Angel Hair
Barilla Whole Grain Elbows
Barilla Whole Grain Linguine
Barilla Whole Grain Medium Shells
Barilla Whole Grain Penne
Barilla Whole Grain Rotini
Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti
Barilla Whole Grain Thin Spaghetti
Great Value Whole Wheat Elbows
Great Value Whole Wheat Thin Spaghetti
Great Value Whole Wheat Linguine
Great Value Whole Wheat Penne
Great Value Whole Wheat Rotini
Great Value Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Spirals
Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Angel Hair
Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Thin Spaghetti
Kroger 100 % Whole Grain Penne Rigate
Kroger 100 % Whole Grain Rotini
Kroger 100% Whole Grain Spaghetti
Kroger 100% Whole Grain Thin Spaghetti
Our Family Whole Wheat Rotini
Our Family Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Racconto Whole Wheat Capellini
Racconto Whole Wheat Elbows
Racconto Whole Wheat Farfalle
Racconto Whole Wheat Linguine
Racconto Whole Wheat Penne Rigate
Racconto Whole Wheat Rigatoni
Racconto Whole Wheat Rotini
Racconto Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Spaghetti
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Thin Spaghetti
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Linguini
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Penne Rigate
WHOLE WHEAT PASTA
Brand Name Product Name
Best Choice 100% Whole Wheat
Family Choice 100% Whole Wheat
Fareway 100% Whole Wheat
Home Pride 100% Whole Wheat
IGA 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Nature's Own 100% Whole Grain Wheat Sugar Free
Nature's Own 100% Whole Wheat with Honey
Open Nature 100% Whole Wheat Hot Dog Buns
Our Family 100% Whole Wheat
Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat Cinnamon with Raisins Swirl Bread
Pepperidge Farm Light Style 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Pepperidge Farm Stone Ground 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Pepperidge Farm Very Thin 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat Bread 16oz
Signature Kitchen 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Signature Kitchen 100%Whole Wheat Hot Dog Buns
Village Hearth 100% Whole Wheat
Any Brand
Specifications No red, black, white, or wild rice
No organic rice No rice with seasoning
Regular 16 oz. bag or box
Instant 14-16 oz. box
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have 4 bags or boxes of 14 to 16 oz. size
BROWN RICE
Specifications
Must be 16 oz. No bagels No store bakery bread or
buns No deli bread or buns No white bread or buns
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have four 16 oz. packages of any authorized brands
100% WHOLE WHEAT BREAD
Gallons And ½ Gallons Of Any Store Brand Milk Are Allowed.
Store Brand Half Gallons of Milk May Be Substituted When a Store Is Out Of Store Brand Gallons. Brand Name Milk Is Not Allowed.
Brand Name Product Name
8th Continent 8th Continent Soy Milk Original
8th Continent 8th Continent Soy Milk Vanilla
Emily's Table Soy Beverage Original
Silk Silk Original Soymilk
Specifications No flavored milk
No almond, cashew, coconut, or rice milk
No organic milk
No name brand milk
Required Inventory
Small & Medium A total of 6 gallons fluid
milk 4 of which must be 1% and/or skim
Large & Super A total of 12 gallons fluid
milk 8 of which must be 1% and/or skim
MILK
Required Inventory All Stores
Must be able to supply upon request.
SOY BEVERAGE/MILK
Brand Name Product Name
Store Brand American Pasteurized Process Cheese
Store Brand Cheddar
Store Brand Colby
Store Brand Colby Jack
Store Brand Monterey Jack
Store Brand Mozzarella
Store Brand Muenster
Store Brand Provolone
Store Brand Swiss
Any Brand Medium Or Large Size
Specifications 16 oz. (1 pound) only Sliced or block only Reduced fat cheese in the
allowed types is authorized No individually wrapped
slices No shredded, cubed, or
string cheese No cottage or cream cheese No organic or imported
cheese No cheese dips or balls No cheese food, spread, or
product No cheese & cracker packs No cheese products in squirt
cans, squeeze bottles or jars No added ingredients
(Jalapenos, caraway seeds or smoke flavors)
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have a total of 4 lbs. of cheese
Must have 2 varieties
CHEESE
Specifications No low cholesterol eggs
No organic eggs
No egg substitutes
No specially eggs
No brown eggs
No free range or cage free eggs
Required Inventory
All Stores Must have four packages
of one dozen eggs
EGGS
Brand Name Product Name
Best Choice Greek Nonfat Plain
Best Choice Greek Nonfat Vanilla
Brown Cow Cream Top Maple
Brown Cow Cream Top Plain
Brown Cow Cream Top Vanilla
Brown Cow Non Fat Plain
Brown Cow Non Fat Vanilla
Chobani Blueberry Blended Greek Yogurt
Chobani Peach Blended Greek Yogurt
Chobani Plain Non Fat Greek
Chobani Plain Whole Greek
Chobani Strawberry Blended Greek Yogurt
Chobani Vanilla Blended Non Fat Greek Yogurt
Dannon Low Fat Plain
Dannon Low Fat Vanilla
Dannon Non Fat Plain
Dannon Non Fat Strawberry
Dannon Non Fat Strawberry Banana
Dannon Whole Milk Plain
Dannon Whole Milk Strawberry
Dannon Whole Milk Vanilla
Dannon Light & Fit Greek Plain Nonfat
Dannon Light & Fit Greek Vanilla Nonfat
Dannon Light & Fit Strawberry Nonfat
Dannon Light & Fit Vanilla Nonfat
Great Value Low Fat Peach
Great Value Low Fat Strawberry
Great Value Low Fat Vanilla
Great Value Non Fat Plain
Great Value Non Fat Vanilla
Great Value Low Fat Strawberry Banana
Specifications 32 oz. containers only No yogurt drinks No yogurt tubes No yogurt with mix-ins
(candy, granola, or nuts) No soy or lactose free
No organic
Required Inventory Small & Medium
Must have 2 containers of low-fat/non-fat
Must be able to supply whole fat yogurt upon request
Large & Super Must have 3 containers of
low-fat/nonfat yogurt and 2 varieties
Must have 3 containers of whole fat yogurt, 1 variety
YOGURT
Brand Name Product Name
Kroger Low-fat Plain
Kroger Low-fat Vanilla
Kroger Nonfat Yogurt Plain
Kroger Plain Whole Milk
Kroger Vanilla Whole Milk
Lucerne Greek Honey Nonfat
Lucerne Greek Plain Nonfat
Lucerne Greek Vanilla Nonfat
Lucerne Peach Low-fat
Lucerne Plain Whole Milk
Lucerne Plain Nonfat
Lucerne Strawberry Low-fat
Lucerne Vanilla Light Nonfat
Lucerne Vanilla Low Fat
Market Pantry Light Nonfat Vanilla
Market Pantry Low-fat Vanilla
Market Pantry Nonfat Yogurt Plain
Mountain High Low-fat Plain Low-fat Yoghurt
Mountain High Low-fat Vanilla Low-fat Yoghurt
Mountain High Original Style Whole Milk Yoghurt Strawberry
Mountain High Original Whole Milk Yoghurt Plain
OIKOS 0% Plain 0%
OIKOS 0% Vanilla 0%
OIKOS 4% Plain 4%
OIKOS TripleZero Vanilla
Open Nature Greek Nonfat Vanilla
Open Nature Greek Nonfat Plain
Our Family Greek Nonfat Plain
Our Family Greek Nonfat Vanilla
Our Family Light Nonfat Strawberry
Our Family Light Nonfat Vanilla
Our Family Plain Nonfat
Yoplait Original Low Fat Harvest Peach
Yoplait Original Low Fat Strawberry
Yoplait Original Low Fat Strawberry Banana
Yoplait Original Low Fat Vanilla
Specifications 32 oz. containers only No yogurt drinks No yogurt tubes No yogurt with mix-ins
(candy, granola, or nuts) No soy or lactose free
No organic
Required Inventory Small & Medium
Must have 2 containers of low-fat/non-fat
Must be able to supply whole fat yogurt upon request
Large & Super Must have 3 containers of
low-fat/nonfat yogurt and 2 varieties
Must have 3 containers of whole fat yogurt, 1 variety
YOGURT
Any Brand Regular And Non-Fat Evaporated Milk
Store Brand Of The Following Varieties
Black Beans Black Eye Peas Cow Crowder Garanzo Beans Great Northern Beans Kidney Beans Lentils
Lima Beans Mung Beans Navy Beans Pinto Beans Red Beans Soybeans Split Peas
Store Brand Creamy, Crunchy, And/Or Chunky, Low Sugar or Reduced Sugar, and Low Sodium
Specifications Must be 12 oz.
Required Inventory Small & Medium
Must be able to supply upon request
Large & Super Must display 1 can of
regular and 1 can of non-fat
Evaporated Milk
Specifications Must be 1lb. (16 oz.) bags
No soup mixes No mixed beans No beans with flavoring No bulk beans No organic beans
Required Inventory
All Stores Must have two 1lb. (16 oz.)
bags
Must carry 2 varieties
DRIED BEANS
Specifications Store brand only 16-18 oz. only No natural peanut butter No peanut butter spread No peanut butter with
jellies/honey/chocolate No omega 3’s No low fat or reduced fat No organic
Required Inventory
All Stores Must have 2 containers
PEANUT BUTTER
Any Brand Regular or Low Sodium From The Following Varieties:
Black Beans Black Eyed Peas Butter Garbanzo Beans Great Northern Beans Kidney Beans Lentils Lima Beans Navy Beans Pinto Beans Soybeans Split Peas
Any Brand
Specifications 15 – 16 oz. cans Must be mature beans or
lentils No added flavors, sugars,
fats, oils, and meats No baked beans, chili
beans, or refried beans No organic
Required Inventory
All Stores Must have 8 cans total Must carry 2 varieties
CANNED BEANS
Specifications Light Tuna & Pink Salmon
5 oz. can or larger, net wt. Water packed or oil
packed only
No flavorings or seasonings
No organic
No albacore or chunk white tuna
No red or sockeye salmon Salmon may include
bones and skin
Required Inventory All Stores Light Tuna
Must have 12 cans
Pink Salmon Must have 12 cans of the
5-7.5 oz. size Or
Must have 4 cans of the 14.75 oz. size
LIGHT TUNA & PINK SALMON
Brand Name Product Name
Always Save Apple Juice
Always Save Grape Juice
Best Choice 100% Juice Apple
Best Choice 100% Juice Berry
Best Choice 100% Juice Grape
Best Choice Apple Juice
Best Choice Cherry Juice
Best Choice Fruit Punch Blend
Best Choice Grape Juice
Best Choice Pineapple Juice
Best Choice Tomato Juice
Best Choice Vegetable Juice
Best Choice White Grape Juice
Best Choice White Grapefruit Juice
Campbell's Tomato Juice
Campbell’s Tomato Juice Low Sodium
Campbell's V8 100% Vegetable Juice
Campbell's V8 100% Vegetable Juice - Spicy Hot
Campbell's V8 100% Vegetable Juice low sodium
Great Value Apple Juice
Great Value Cranberry Grape Juice
Great Value Cranberry Juice Blend
Great Value Grape Juice
Great Value Tomato Juice
Great Value Vegetable Juice
Great Value White Grape & Peach
Great Value White Grape Juice
Hy-Vee Apple Juice
Hy-Vee Just Juice Apple
Hy-Vee Apple with Calcium
Hy-Vee Just Juice Berry
Hy-Vee Just Juice Cherry
Hy-Vee Cranberry Apple
Hy-Vee Cranberry Juice
Hy-Vee Cranberry Raspberry
Hy-Vee Just Juice Punch
Specifications 64oz. only No individual sized juice No sweetened juices or
organic juices No light juices No fruit drinks or cocktails No juice from the
refrigerated case No infant juices
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have 4 bottles of juice
Must carry 2 varieties
100% BOTTLED JUICE
Brand Name Product Name
Hy-Vee Grape Juice
Hy-Vee Just Juice Grape
Hy-Vee Grapefruit Juice
Hy-Vee Pineapple Juice
Hy-Vee White Grape Juice
IGA 100% Grapefruit
IGA 100% Apple Juice
IGA Fresh Apple
IGA 100% Grape Juice
IGA 100% Pineapple Juice
IGA Tomato Juice
IGA Vegetable Juice
IGA 100% White Grape
IGA Apple Juice
IGA Grape Juice
IGA White Grape Juice
Juicy Juice Apple
Juicy Juice Apple Raspberry
Juicy Juice Berry
Juicy Juice Cherry
Juicy Juice Cranberry Apple
Juicy Juice Grape
Juicy Juice Kiwi Strawberry
Juicy Juice Mango
Juicy Juice Orange Juice
Juicy Juice Orange Tangerine
Juicy Juice Passion Dragonfruit
Juicy Juice Peach Apple
Juicy Juice Punch
Juicy Juice Strawberry Banana
Juicy Juice Strawberry Watermelon
Juicy Juice Tropical
Juicy Juice White Grape
Kroger 100% Juice Apple Cider
Kroger Apple Juice
Kroger 100% Cranberry Juice
Kroger Grape Juice
Kroger Grapefruit Juice
Kroger Pineapple Juice
Specifications 64oz. only No individual sized juice No sweetened juices or
organic juices No light juices No fruit drinks or cocktails No juice from the
refrigerated case No infant juices
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have 4 bottles of juice
Must carry 2 varieties
100% BOTTLED JUICE
Brand Name Product Name
Kroger Pineapple Unsweetened
Kroger Vegetable Juice
Kroger Vegetable Low Sodium
Kroger Vegetable Spicy
Kroger White Grape
Kroger White Grape Peach Juice
Market Pantry 100% White Grape
Market Pantry 100% Apple Juice
Market Pantry 100% Juice Tomato
Mott's 100% Apple Juice
Mott's 100% Juice Apple Cherry
Mott's 100% Juice Apple Mango
Mott's 100% Juice Apple White Grape
Old Orchard 100% Apple Juice
Old Orchard 100% Grape Juice
Old Orchard 100% Orange Juice
Old Orchard Acai Pomegranate 100%
Old Orchard Apple Cranberry 100%
Old Orchard Berry Blend 100%
Old Orchard Black Cherry Cranberry 100%
Old Orchard Blueberry Pomegranate 100%
Old Orchard Cherry Pomegranate 100%
Old Orchard Cranberry Pomegranate 100%
Old Orchard Kiwi Strawberry 100%
Old Orchard Mango Tangerine 100%
Old Orchard Peach Mango 100%
Old Orchard Red Raspberry 100%
Old Orchard Wild Cherry 100%
Our Family Apple Juice
Our Family Fresh Pressed Apple
Our Family Grape Juice
Our Family Grapefruit Juice
Our Family Pineapple Juice
Our Family Tomato Juice
Our Family Vegetable Juice
Our Family White Grape Juice
Signature Kitchens Apple Juice 100%
Signature Kitchens Cranberry 100%
Signature Kitchens Cranberry and Concord Grape 100%
Specifications 64oz. only No individual sized juice No sweetened juices or
organic juices No light juices No fruit drinks or cocktails No juice from the
refrigerated case No infant juices
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have 4 bottles of juice
Must carry 2 varieties
100% BOTTLED JUICE
Brand Name Product Name
Signature Kitchens Cranberry Raspberry 100%
Signature Kitchens Grape Juice 100%
Signature Kitchens White Grape 100%
Tree Top Apple Juice
Welch's 100% Grape Juice
Welch's 100% Juice Super Berry
Welch's 100% Juice Tropical Trio
Welch’s 100% White Grape
Welch's Red 100% Grape
Brand Name Product Name
Welch's 100% Juice Grape - PCNT
Welch's 100% Juice Apple - PCNT
Welch's 100% Juice Fruit Fantastic - PCNT
Welch's 100% Juice Tropical Orange Passion - PCNT
Specifications 64oz. only No individual sized juice No sweetened juices or
organic juices No light juices No fruit drinks or cocktails No juice from the
refrigerated case No infant juices
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have 4 bottles of juice
Must carry 2 varieties
100% BOTTLED JUICE
Specifications 11.5 oz. only No individual sized juice No sweetened juices or
organic juices No fruit drinks or cocktails No infant juices
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have a total of 6 pourable juice concentrate and/or frozen concentrate
Must carry 2 varieties
100% JUICE POURABLE CONCENTRATE
Brand Name Product Name Any Brand 100% Grapefruit
Any Brand 100% Orange
Always Save Apple Juice
Always Save Orange Juice
Best Choice Apple Juice
Best Choice Orange Juice
Best Choice Orange Juice Country Style
Best Choice Orange Juice Pulp Free
Best Choice Orange Juice with Calcium
Great Value Apple Juice
Great Value Calcium Orange Juice
Great Value Country Style Orange Juice
Great Value Grape Juice
Great Value Orange Juice
Great Value Pulp Free Orange Juice
IGA 100% Apple Juice Conc
IGA 100% Orange Juice Conc Country Style
IGA 100% Orange Juice Pure Conc
IGA Orange Juice Conc Calcium
Kroger Apple Juice
Kroger Grape Juice
Kroger Grapefruit Juice
Kroger Orange Juice Kroger Orange Juice Added Pulp Kroger Orange Juice Pulp Free Kroger Orange Juice With Calcium Kroger Pineapple-Orange Juice Market Pantry 100% Apple Juice Market Pantry 100% Grape Juice Market Pantry 100% Orange Juice Market Pantry 100% Orange Juice Pulp Free Old Orchard 100% Pineapple Juice Old Orchard 100% Apple Juice Old Orchard 100% Grape Juice Old Orchard 100% Orange Juice Old Orchard 100% Orange w/ Calcium Juice Old Orchard 100% White Grape Juice Old Orchard Apple Cherry 100% Juice Old Orchard Apple Cranberry 100% Juice Old Orchard Apple Kiwi Strawberry 100% Juice Old Orchard Apple Passion Mango 100% Juice
Specifications
11.5-12 oz. only No individual sized juice No sweetened juices or
organic juices No fruit drinks or cocktails No infant juices
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have a total of 6 frozen concentrate and/or pourable juice concentrate
Must carry 2 varieties
100% JUICE FROZEN CONCENTRATE
Brand Name Product Name
Old Orchard Apple Raspberry 100% Juice Old Orchard Berry Blend 100% Old Orchard Black Cherry Cranberry 100% Old Orchard Blueberry Pomegranate 100% Old Orchard Cherry Pomegranate 100% Old Orchard Cranberry Blend 100% Juice Old Orchard Cranberry Pomegranate 100% Old Orchard Cranberry Raspberry 100% Juice Old Orchard Old Orchard Apple Strawberry Banana 100% Juice
Old Orchard Pineapple Orange 100% Juice Old Orchard Pineapple Orange Banana 100% Juice Old Orchard Strawberry Rhubarb 100% Signature Kitchens Apple Juice Signature Kitchens Calcium Enriched Orange Juice Signature Kitchens Country Style Orange Juice Signature Kitchens Original Orange Juice 100% Juice Signature Kitchens Pulp Free Orange Juice Tree Top Apple Juice Welch's 100% Grape Juice Welch's 100% Juice White Grape Peach Welch's 100% Juice White Grape Raspberry Welch's 100% White Grape Juice
Specifications
11.5-12 oz. only No individual sized juice No sweetened juices or
organic juices No fruit drinks or cocktails No infant juices
Required Inventory All Stores
Must have a total of 6 frozen concentrate and/or pourable juice concentrate
Must carry 2 varieties
100% JUICE FROZEN CONCENTRATE
Any Whole, Pre-cut, Shredded, Or Packaged Variety Of Fresh Fruits And Vegetables.
Enfamil Infant 12.5 oz. powder
All Other Authorized Infant Formula upon request
Specifications Organic is allowed
No party trays
No salad bar items
No herbs or spices
No canned
No frozen
No dried
Required Inventory
Small and Medium Must carry 10 varieties of
fresh fruits
Must carry 10 varieties of fresh vegetables
Large and Super Must carry 12 varieties of
fresh fruits
Must carry 12 varieties of fresh vegetables
FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Required Inventory Enfamil Infant Powder Small & Medium
Must have 6 cans Large & Super
Must have 24 cans
Other Formulas All Stores
Must be able to supply upon request
INFANT FORMULAS
Brand Name Product Name
Beech-Nut Complete Multigrain Cereal
Beech-Nut Complete Oatmeal Cereal
Beech-Nut Complete Rice Cereal
Beech-Nut Sensitive Oatmeal Cereal
GERBER Barley Cereal
GERBER Multigrain Cereal
GERBER Oatmeal Cereal
GERBER Rice Cereal
GERBER Whole Wheat Cereal
The Following Brands Are Allowed If They Meet All Specifications:
Beech-Nut Classics Gerber Tippy Toes
Specifications Must be 8 oz. Cannot contain fruit,
infant formula or milk No organic cereals
Required Inventory Small & Medium
Must have 3 containers
Must carry 2 varieties
Large & Super Must have 6 containers
Must carry 2 varieties
BABY CEREALS
Specifications
Must be 2.5 oz. jars Must be:
Beef and beef broth/gravy Chicken and chicken
broth/gravy Turkey and turkey
broth/gravy Ham and ham broth
No organic No meat stick No dinners No graduates No Added:
Salt Sugar Rice Pasta Fruit Vegetables DHA ARA
Required Inventory Small and Medium
Available upon request
Large and Super Must have 31 jars total Must carry 2 varieties
BABY FOOD - MEATS
The Following Brands Are Allowed If They Meet All Specifications:
Beech-Nut Naturals Beech-Nut Classics Gerber Tippy Toes
Specifications
Must be 4 oz. jars Or
Must be two-packs of 4 oz. containers
Must be plain Fruit Vegetable
Or Combination of Fruits Vegetables Fruits and
Vegetables No organic No pouches No toddler or graduates No dinners, desserts, or
clobbers No added:
Sugar Starch Tapioca Yogurt Cereal Salt Rice Pasta Cheese Meat DHA ARA
Required Inventory Small and Medium
Must have 32 jars Must carry 2 varieties
each of fruits and vegetables
Large and Super Must have 64 jars Must carry 4 varieties
each of fruits and vegetables
BABY FOOD - FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
SEMIANNUAL FOOD PRICE LISTS
The WIC food price list is an important link in the food delivery portion of the Nebraska WIC Program. It is used for:
Monitoring and comparing reported prices with shelf prices. To note availability of WIC foods.
One of the responsibilities of the Nebraska WIC vendor is to submit price lists promptly and to provide accurate information on the price lists. Section 1.e of the Nebraska WIC Program Retail Vendor Agreement states...
“Submit upon request an accurately completed WIC Food Price Reporting List by semiannual deadline and within two weeks of special request.”
Failure to accurately and promptly submit price lists will result in sanction points being levied. The schedule for completion of the WIC Food Price Reporting List is as follows:
Price Lists Sent to Vendors Price Lists Due Back from Vendors OCTOBER 1 OCTOBER 15
JULY 1 JULY 15
The Nebraska WIC Program will send Instructions for completing the WIC Food Price List electronically via email. The email will contain a paper copy of the WIC Food Price List and a web link to record prices electronically. Complete the following steps.
1. Print the hard copy WIC Food Price List.
2. Report prices only for the sizes indicated. If you do not stock a listed item or do not stock an item in the size indicated, leave the space blank.
3. Complete using actual shelf prices.
4. Click on the web link provided, record the shelf prices and store information in the webpage.
5. Submit electronically the WIC Food Price List.
Please complete and return with application. Thank you.
NEBRASKA WIC PROGRAM APPLICATION PRICE LIST – GROCERY STORE
Store Name and WIC Retail Number:
Store Address:
Phone and Fax Number:
E-mail Address:
Please give the actual price of those items you now have on the shelf. Give prices only for
the sizes indicated. If you don’t stock a listed item in the size indicated, leave the space
blank.
BOTTLED JUICE PINK SALMON
Juicy Juice Apple – 64oz $ Highest Priced – 5 or 6oz can $
Old Orchard Apple – 64oz $ Highest Priced – 14.75oz can $
FROZEN JUICE YOGURT
Store Brand Orange Juice – 12oz $ Store Brand low-fat/nonfat – 32oz $
Old Orchard 100% Apple – 12oz $ Yoplait Low-fat – 32oz $
POURABLE JUICE CONCENTRATE Highest Priced yogurt – 32oz $
Welch’s 100% Apple Juice – 11.5oz $ Any Brand Whole Milk Yogurt – 32oz $
CANNED BEANS MILK
Highest Priced Black Beans – 15-16oz can
$ Store Brand Whole – 1 gal $
Store Brand Black Beans – 15-16oz can
$ Store Brand 2% - 1 gal $
MATURE DRY BEANS/PEAS Store Brand 1% - 1 gal $
Store Brand Pinto – 1lb package $ Store Brand 1% - ½ gal $
Store Brand Black – 1lb package $ Lactose-reduced/free – ½ gal $
PEANUT BUTTER CHEESE
Store Brand – 16-18oz $ Store Brand Pasteurized Processed
American Cheese Sliced – 16oz $
LIGHT TUNA (NO ALBACORE) Store Brand Cheddar – 16oz $
Highest Priced – Water Packed – 5 or 6oz can
$ EGGS
Store Brand – Water Packed – 5 or 6oz can
$ Large – 1 dozen $
Grocery Store Price List
BABY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CEREAL
Beechnut Classic, Single Fruit or Vegetable – 4oz jar
$ Kellogg’s Corn Flakes – 18oz $
Beechnut Naturals, Single Fruit or Vegetable– 4oz jar
$ Kellogg’s Rice Krispies – 18oz $
Gerber, Single Vegetable – (4oz) 2 pack $ General Mills Oat Cheerios – 12oz $
Gerber, Single Fruit – (4oz) 2 pack $ General Mills Oat Cheerios – 18oz $
Tippy Toes, Single Fruit or Vegetable – 4oz jar
$ Post Honey Bunches of Oats Honey
Roasted – 14.5oz $
Tippy Toes, Single Fruit or Vegetable – 4 oz. 2 pack
$ Post Alpha-Bits- 12 oz. $
BABY MEATS (ANY BRAND) 100% WHOLE WHEAT BREAD
Highest Priced Chicken – 2.5oz jar $ Best Choice – 100% Whole Wheat–
16oz loaf $
Lowest Priced Chicken – 2.5oz jar $ HomePride 100% Whole Wheat- 16 oz. loaf
$
INFANT CEREAL Our Family – 100% Whole Wheat –
16oz loaf $
Non-fruit – 8oz box $ Pepperidge Farm – Stone Ground 100%
Whole Wheat – 16oz loaf $
INFANT FORMULA Sara Lee – Classic 100% Whole Wheat
– 16oz loaf $
Enfamil AR – 12.9oz powder $ Village Hearth – 100% Whole Wheat –
16oz loaf $
Enfamil Gentlease – 12.4oz powder $ TORTILLAS
Enfamil Infant – 12.5oz powder $ Mission Yellow Corn – 16oz package $
Enfamil Infant – 13oz conc. $ Ortega Whole Wheat –
16oz package $
Enfamil Infant RTF – 6pk 6-8oz bottles
$ Best Choice Corn –
16oz package $
Enfamil ProSobee – 12.9oz powder $ Chi Chi’s White Corn –
16oz package $
Enfamil ProSobee – 13oz conc. $ Don Pancho Whole Wheat –
16oz package $
Nutramigen with Enflora LGG – 12.6oz powder
$ Our Family Whole Wheat –
16oz package $
Similac Alimentum – 12.1oz powder $ La Banderita Whole Wheat –
16oz package $
Similac NeoSure – 13.1oz powder $ La Burrita Corn –
16oz package $
How many days do you need to get in infant formula? ____________
PLEASE MARK WITH AN “X” THE DAYS YOUR STORE RECEIVES TRUCK SHIPMENTS:
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
I hereby certify that the information recorded on the Price List is correct to the best of my
knowledge.
_____________________________ ________________
Signature Date
_____________________________ ________________
Print Name Date
IDENTIFICATION
WIC CHECKS – TYPES AND DIFFERENCES WIC checks: (also sometimes called “food instruments”) the item of payment used by participants for WIC foods. There are two types of WIC checks.
Regular WIC Check: The specific WIC supplemental foods and the quantities of those foods are identified on the check.
Fruit and Vegetable WIC Check: (also sometimes called a “cash value voucher”) A fixed dollar amount issued on the check which is used by the participant to obtain authorized fruits and vegetables.
Reference to a WIC check includes both the regular WIC check and the fruit and vegetable WIC check.
Differences and similarities between WIC fruit/vegetable check and regular WIC checks Differences
Dollar amount on fruit/vegetable check, not an item Specific approved items not defined on the fruit/vegetable check
Similarities Only used for WIC approved foods Must be valid (within date range) Requires WIC shopper signature Requires purchase price Requires vendor ID stamp
SPLIT TENDER FOR THE WIC FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CHECK
The fruit and vegetable check is the only check with a dollar amount.
The cashier must treat each WIC fruit & vegetable check as a separate transaction.
WIC shoppers are allowed to pay the difference when the total price exceeds the value of the WIC fruit and vegetable check.
The WIC vendor must perform a split tender transaction when a WIC Shopper requests to pay the difference.
The WIC shopper cannot receive change for any unused portion of the WIC fruit and vegetable check.
PARTS OF A WIC CHECK
WIC CHECK
1. Participant’s Name 4. Food Prescription
2. First Date to Use 5. Purchase Amount Entry
3. Last Date to Use 6. Authorized Signature
WIC Fruit and Vegetable Check
HELPFUL WIC CHECK CASHING TIPS
Use black ink only. No gel pens or colored pens should be used.
Read the WIC check carefully, it has all the information a cashier needs to know.
Always direct WIC shoppers back to the local WIC office if they need something different on their WIC checks.
No substitutions are allowed.
If a mistake is made on the purchase amount, corrections must be made at point of purchase while in front of the WIC shopper.
No cash is ever given back to a WIC shopper.
Contact your vendor manager if you receive a WIC check that appears to be altered.
1
2
3
5
6
7
4
CHECK CASHING PROCEDURES 1. FIRST DATE TO USE AND LAST DATE TO USE
All checks must be redeemed on or between the first date to use and the last date to use. Checks presented before the first date to use are not valid. Checks presented after 12:00 midnight of the last date to use are no longer valid.
2. SEPARATE FOODS AND CHECKS Each WIC check must be handled individually. Ask the customer if WIC foods have been separated from other purchases. Each WIC check must be rung up separately. Be careful not to interchange amounts when two or more checks are redeemed at the same time.
3. FOOD VERIFICATION CHECKS Verify the foods are WIC approved and listed on the WIC check. Compare brands and quantities with the items on the checks. All foods must be selected from the current WIC approved food list.
4. INFANT FORMULA Substitutions are NOT ALLOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR INFANT FORMULA that is prescribed on the WIC check. If the WIC shopper needs something different, refer them back to the local WIC office.
5. PURCHASE AMOUNT ENTRY Write the actual purchase price in the ‘Purchase Amount” box on the check. Once this amount has been entered, it should not be changed. In the event that there is an error made in the “Purchase Amount” entry, the cashier should draw one line across the incorrect amount and write the correct total price in the space provided below the “Purchase Amount” box labeled “Correction Only”. The correct price must be written legibly in this area in order to be paid. This correction must be made at the point of purchase. These checks may be deposited in your bank for payment if all other edit criteria have been met.
6. AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE The WIC shopper must sign the check on the appropriate line (bottom right hand side). The “Purchase Amount” box must be clearly completed before obtaining the WIC shopper’s authorized signature.
7. CASH REGISTER RECEIPT Give WIC Shopper a transaction receipt. The WIC shopper will now receive the cash register receipt as a proof of purchase. Remember per state policy the store is required to keep a receipt for 60 days for all WIC transactions.
8. VENDOR NUMBER STAMP Each WIC check must be clearly stamped with your store’s authorized vendor number ID stamp on the front of the check in the ‘Pay to the order of” section prior to depositing the check. Endorse each WIC check on the back with your store’s name and identifying number or address before depositing.
9. DEPOSITING CHECKS WIC checks should be presented for payment within 60 days from the ‘First date to use”.
RETURNED WIC CHECKS
After deposit into retailer’s bank, in the case of a returned WIC check, follow these steps:
Please remember to include the cash register receipt or an electronic journal entry of the transaction when sending the returned WIC checks to your Local Agency WIC Vendor Manager. This will help verify what happened at the point of purchase and assist in review for possible
reimbursement. The cash register receipt or an electronic journal entry is required for all returned WIC checks that are to be reviewed and for all checks for which WIC is requesting transaction records.
As always, if you have any questions about RETURNED WIC CHECKS or WIC in general, please call
your Local Agency WIC Vendor Manager. We are here to help you.
REASON FOR RETURN
ACTION OF VENDOR
Missing Vendor Stamp
Unreadable Vendor Stamp
1. Stamp check with Nebraska WIC authorized vendor number stamp in the “Pay to the order of” box on the front of the check.
2. Redeposit check in bank.
Invalid Vendor Stamp
Missing or Altered Dollar Amount
1. Send to local agency with cash register receipt or an electronic journal entry for possible reimbursement.
Over Max $Dollar Amount
1. Returned WIC checks for over the “not to exceed” amount are paid electronically into the retailer’s provided bank account via ACH.
2. All checks returned for over “not to exceed” are processed and paid on a weekly basis. Retailers will receive an ACH statement following the weekly payment.
Please report any suspicious WIC transaction to the local agency indicated on your retail vendor agreement or mail in your observation on the WIC information card pictured below. Should there be any problems with a WIC check, call your local agency. WIC INFORMATION CARD
BUSINESS REPLY CARD
FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 1181 LINCOLN, NEBRASKA
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
Nebraska WIC Program
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Lifespan Health Services Unit Post Office Box 95026 Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE
UNITED STATES
The Nebraska WIC Program has implemented a sanction point system to objectively monitor all WIC authorized vendors. Below is a list of
definitions used to describe the sanction system.
SANCTION VOCABULARY VENDOR VIOLATION Any intentional or unintentional action of a
vendor’s current owners, managers, agents, officers, or employees (with or without knowledge of management) that violates the vendor agreement or Federal or State statutes, regulations, policies, or procedures governing the Nebraska WIC Program.
VIOLATION An infraction of program regulations, policies, or agreements.
INVESTIGATION A method used by the State WIC office to determine if violations are occurring.
SANCTION An administrative action taken as a result of a violation. Mandatory Federal Sanctions: are mandated in the federal regulations and have disqualification periods associated with each violation. State Agency Sanctions: various point levels assigned to violations of the WIC retailer’s agreement. The points range from 1 to 15 and retained for 3 to 12 months depending on the severity of the violation.
PATTERN Based on the type, severity, and number of the incidences of the violation. For violations that require a pattern, a pattern is two documented incidences.
STATE AGENCY VIOLATION
Failure to comply with the terms of the Nebraska WIC Program Retail Vendor Agreement will result in sanction points being levied by the State WIC office. The following sections identifies the violations, the point value of the violation, and the period of time the points are retained.
FIFTEEN POINTS & TWELVE MONTHS DURATION
Redeeming WIC food instruments and/or cash value benefits while the retailer is disqualified or not authorized.
Failing to only purchase infant formula from the approved sources as maintained by the State WIC Office.
Failing to pay the Nebraska WIC Program within 30 days of receipt of certified written notification for amounts paid by the WIC Agency on WIC checks processed by the retailer which were not payable.
Failing to provide complete and acceptable purchase invoices from the wholesaler, other points of purchase, inventory records, and/or receipts for documentation of inventory and payment of WIC authorized supplemental food items to the department upon request.
TEN POINTS & SIX MONTHS DURATION
Offering incentive items solely to WIC shoppers. Requiring the WIC shopper to purchase other items when redeeming WIC checks. Charging sales tax for WIC supplemental foods including infant formula, specialty infant
formula, and medical formulas. Discourteous treatment of WIC shoppers documented by two or more reported separate
incidences. Failure to maintain minimum inventory of WIC authorized foods. Missing inventory must be
available within 72 hours, requiring verification to the department. Failure to provide sales data information to the department upon request.
FIVE POINTS & THREE MONTHS DURATION
Failing to maintain and post regular/minimum business hours as outlined in the vendor selection criteria.
Using the WIC acronym or logo for any purpose including promotion or incentive items without the Department’s approval.
Failing to use only the official Nebraska WIC Program shelf labels/tags to identify WIC authorized supplemental foods.
Failing to clearly mark the purchase price on the shelf or food item for a category of WIC foods.
Failing to provide fresh and wholesome foods in a sanitary environment. Including stocking and/or selling expired WIC supplemental foods or any evidence of infestation of rodents.
Failing to transact WIC checks inside the authorized store location only. Failing to clearly endorse the back of a WIC check with the retailer’s bank deposit stamp or
the Retailer’s name and identifying number or address. Altering information on a WIC check. Issuing rainchecks or IOU’s to WIC shoppers for any WIC supplemental food not received at
point of purchase.
Failure to allow WIC shoppers the use of store savings cards, discounts, promotions, coupons, or price matching to reduce WIC purchase amount.
Requiring WIC shoppers to provide identification for transacting WIC benefits. Failure to issue a WIC shopper an itemized cash register receipt for WIC authorized foods
purchased. Failing to provide cash register receipts, electronic journal entries, or acceptable records of
the WIC check transaction for all checks for which the WIC Agency or Department is requesting transaction records.
Failing to submit a complete and accurate Food Price List within two weeks from the date of the request.
ONE POINT & 3 MONTHS DURATION Accepting WIC checks with the appearance of Alteration. Failing to display the official Approved Nebraska WIC Retailer Door decal. Submitting ten (10) or more WIC checks for redemptions with the Nebraska WIC Authorized
Vendor Number Stamp missing or unreadable in any calendar month.
IMPLEMENTING THE SANCTION SYSTEM
Total Assessed Sanction Points
Action
1 - 5 points Notification letter of Sanction Points being levied sent by State WIC staff
6 - 15 points Notification letter of sanction points being levied & warning of disqualification sent by State WIC staff. Required training provided by Local Agency Vendor Manager.
16-20 Points Six (6) months disqualification letter sent by State WIC staff
21-29 Points Twelve (12) months disqualification letter sent by State WIC staff
When more than one violation is detected during a single investigation that results in a total of twenty (20) or more points, the disqualification period will be based upon the most serious violation.
MANDATORY FEDERAL VIOLATIONS
The following are mandatory federal violations that result in a disqualification from the Nebraska WIC Program. Type of violation and duration of disqualification are listed below.
PERMANENT DISQUALIFICATION Permanent disqualification from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). One conviction by a criminal court of trafficking of WIC food instruments or cash value
benefits, or selling firearms, explosives, or controlled substances, in exchange for WIC food instruments. A retailer shall not be entitled to receive any compensation for revenues lost as a result of such violation.
SIX YEAR DISQUALIFICATION One incidence of buying or selling WIC food instruments or cash value vouchers for cash
(trafficking). ** One incidence of selling firearms, ammunition, explosives, or controlled substances in
exchange for WIC food instruments or cash value vouchers. **
THREE YEAR DISQUALIFICATION One incidence of the sale of alcohol or alcoholic beverages or tobacco products in exchange
for WIC food instruments or cash value vouchers. ** A pattern of claiming reimbursement for the sale of an amount of a specific supplemental
food item which exceeds the store’s documented inventory of that supplemental food items for a specific time period. **
A pattern of retailer overcharges. ** A pattern of receiving, transacting, and/or redeeming WIC checks outside of the authorized
channels, including the use of an unauthorized retailer and/or an unauthorized person. ** A pattern of charging for the supplemental food not received by the WIC shopper. ** A pattern of providing credit or non-food items, other than alcohol, alcoholic beverages,
tobacco products, cash, firearms, ammunitions, explosives, or controlled substances in exchanges for WIC food instruments or cash value vouchers. **
ONE YEAR DISQUALIFICATION A pattern of providing unauthorized food items in exchange for WIC food instruments or
cash value vouchers, including charging for supplemental foods provided in excess of those listed on the WIC check. **
SECOND MANDATORY FEDERAL SANCTIONS When a retailer who previously has been assessed a sanction for any of the violations identified with two stars (**), receives another sanction for any of these violations, the state agency will double the second sanction. Civil money penalties will be doubled up to the maximum limits.
THIRD OR SUBSEQUENT MANDATORY FEDERAL SANCTIONS When a retailer who previously has been assessed two or more sanctions for any of the violations identified with two stars (**), receives another sanction for any of these violations, the State agency will double the third sanction and all subsequent sanctions. The state agency will not impose a civil money penalty in lieu of disqualification for the third or subsequent sanctions for these violations.
DISQUALIFICATION BASED ON A SNAP DISQUALIFICATION The state agency will disqualify a retailer who has been disqualified from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The disqualification will be for the same length of time as the SNAP disqualification. It may begin at a later date than the SNAP disqualification and is not subject to administrative or judicial review under the WIC Program.
VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL OF NON-RENEWAL OF WIC AGREEMENT The state agency will not accept voluntary withdrawal of the retailer from the Program as an alternative to disqualification for any of the mandatory federal violations. The State agency will enter the disqualification on the retailer’s record. In addition, the State agency will not use nonrenewal of the Retailer WIC agreement as an alternative to disqualification.
NOTIFICATION OF VENDOR VIOLATIONS
WHEN NOTIFICATION OF VIOLATIONS IS NOT REQUIRED Notification is not required for WIC vendor disqualifications or civil money penalties based
on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) sanctions.
Notification is not required for violations involving inventory audits. A pattern can be established during a single review of the retailer’s redemption records.
Notification is also not required for violations that only require one incidence before a sanction is imposed.
WHEN NOTIFICATION OF VIOLATIONS IS REQUIRED The State WIC office will notify the retailer in writing of the initial violation, for violations requiring a pattern of occurrences in order to impose a sanction, prior to documenting of another violation unless the State WIC Office determines that notifying the retailer would compromise an investigation. Such determinations will be made on a case by case basis. This applies to all State Agency Sanctions and the following Mandatory Federal Violations.
NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING MANDATORY FEDERAL VIOLATIONS
A pattern of claiming reimbursement for the sale of an amount of a specific supplemental food item which exceeds the store’s documented inventory of that supplemental food items for a specific time period.
A pattern of retailer overcharges. A pattern of receiving, transacting, and/or redeeming WIC checks outside of the authorized
channels, including the use of an unauthorized retailer and/or an unauthorized person. A pattern of charging for the supplemental food not received by the WIC shopper. A pattern of providing credit or non-food items, other than alcohol, alcoholic beverages,
tobacco products, cash, firearms, ammunitions, explosives, or controlled substances in exchanges for WIC food instruments or cash value vouchers.
A pattern of providing unauthorized food items in exchange for WIC food instruments or cash value vouchers, including charging for supplemental foods provided in excess of those listed on the WIC check.
NOTICE OF ADVERSE ACTION
If adverse action is taken against a vendor, notice must be sent to the vendor in writing, by the Department of Health and Human Services. The letter must explain the following:
The reason or reasons for the adverse action. The effective date of the action. Denial of authorization is effective on the date of receipt of the notice. Permanent disqualification is effective on the date of receipt of the notice. All other adverse actions are effective 15 days from the date of the notice. The procedures to follow to obtain a full administrative review. The time period during which an appeal may be brought, and the statement that
disqualification from the WIC Program may result in disqualification as a vendor in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamp Program) and that such disqualification may not be subject to administrative or judicial review under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamp Program).
CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES IN LIEU OF DISQUALIFICATION A civil money penalty may be imposed in lieu of a disqualification from the Nebraska WIC Program if the disqualification would result in inadequate participant access to WIC foods.
Cases of permanent disqualification as a result of conviction of trafficking in WIC checks or selling firearms, ammunition, explosives, or controlled substances in exchange for WIC checks.
Cases of disqualification as a result of other violations as outlined in the Nebraska WIC Retail Vendor Agreement or above in the Nebraska WIC Program Sanction System.
A civil money penalty may not be imposed in lieu of disqualification for third or subsequent violations.
If the Nebraska WIC Program permits a vendor to continue to participate in the program in lieu of disqualification, the State WIC Agency shall assess the vendor a civil money penalty in an amount determined by the State WIC Agency and in accordance with the following criteria.
The amount of the civil money penalty shall not exceed $11,000 for each violation.
The amount of civil penalties imposed for violations investigated as part of a single investigation may not exceed $49,000.
If more than one violation is detected during a single investigation, a civil money penalty must be imposed for each violation (up to the $11,000/$49,000 limits).
If a vendor does not pay, only partially pays, or fails to timely pay (includes failure to pay according to an approved installment plan) a civil money penalty within thirty (30) days of receipt of a notification letter, the State WIC Agency will disqualify the vendor for the length of the disqualification corresponding to the violation for which the civil money penalty was assessed.
THE FORMULA FOR CALCULATION OF CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES IS AS FOLLOWS
Determine the vendor’s average monthly redemption for the 12 month period ending with the month immediately preceding the month during which the notice of administrative action is dated.
Multiply average redemption by 10%.
Multiply result by the number of months for which the vendor would have been disqualified. This is the amount of the civil money penalty. Refer to guidelines above for the maximum amount of the civil money penalty.
For a violation that warrants permanent disqualification, the amount of the civil money penalty shall be $11,000.
The State WIC Agency shall provide the Lincoln, Nebraska Food and Nutrition Service Field Office with a copy of the written notification and information on vendors it has disqualified from WIC or imposed a civil money penalty in lieu of disqualification from the Nebraska WIC Program for violations covered under 7 CFR 246.12(l) of the WIC Program regulations. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamp Program) authorization may be withdrawn from any vendor which is disqualified from the WIC Program or is assessed a civil money penalty in lieu of disqualification from the WIC Program based in whole or in part on the following categories of violations outlined in 7 CFR 246.12(l) of the WIC Program regulations:
One conviction by a criminal court of trafficking of WIC checks or selling firearms,
ammunition, explosives, or controlled substances in exchange for WIC checks. One WIC administrative finding of buying or selling WIC checks for cash (trafficking)
or selling firearms, ammunition, explosives, or controlled substances in exchange for WIC checks.
One incidence of the sale of alcohol or alcoholic beverages or tobacco products in exchange for WIC checks.
A pattern of claiming reimbursement for the sale of an amount of a specific supplemental food item, which exceeds the store’s, documented inventory of that supplemental food item for a specific period of time.
A pattern of charging WIC customers more for supplemental food than non-WIC customers or charging WIC customers more than the current shelf or contract price.
A pattern of receiving, transacting, and/or redeeming WIC checks outside of authorized channels, including the use of an unauthorized vendor and/or unauthorized person.
A pattern of charging for supplemental food not received by the WIC shopper. A pattern of providing credit or non-food items other than alcohol, alcoholic
beverages, tobacco products, cash, firearms, ammunition, explosives, or controlled substances in exchange for WIC checks.
A pattern of providing unauthorized food items in exchange for WIC checks, including charging for supplemental food provided in excess of those listed on the WIC check.
ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL PROCEDURES In accordance with Federal Regulation 246.18, the following adverse actions are subject to administrative review. The State agency will provide full administrative reviews to vendors that appeal the following adverse actions.
Denial of authorization based on the application of the vendor selection criteria for minimum variety and quantity of authorized supplemental foods or on a determination that the vendor is attempting to circumvent a sanction.
Termination of an agreement for cause.
Disqualification.
Imposition of a fine or a civil money penalty in lieu of disqualification.
Denial of authorization based on the vendor selection criteria for Business integrity or for a current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program disqualification or civil money penalty for hardship.
Denial of authorization based on the application of the vendor selection criteria for competitive price.
The application of the State agency’s vendor peer group criteria and the criteria used to identify vendors that are above 50 % vendors or comparable to above 50% vendors.
Denial of authorization based on a State agency-established vendor selection criterion if the basis of the denial is a WIC vendor sanction or a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program withdrawal authorization or disqualification.
Denial of authorization based on the State agency’s vendor limiting criteria.
Denial of authorization because a vendor submitted its application outside the timeframes during which applications are being accepted and processed as established by the State agency.
Termination of an agreement because of a change in ownership or location or cessation of operations §246.12(h)(3)(xvii).
Disqualification based on a trafficking conviction.
Disqualification based on the imposition of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program civil money penalty for hardship.
Disqualification or a civil money penalty imposed in lieu of disqualification based on a mandatory sanction imposed by another WIC State agency.
A civil money penalty imposed in lieu of disqualification based on a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program disqualification.
Denial of an application based on a determination of whether an applicant vendor is currently authorized by SNAP.
In accordance with Federal Regulation 246.18, the following adverse actions are not subject to administrative review.
Validity or appropriateness of the State Agency’s vendor selection criteria for minimum variety and quantity of supplemental foods, business integrity, and current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program disqualification or civil money penalty for hardship.
Validity or appropriateness of the State Agency’s selection criteria for competitive price, including, but not limited to, vendor peer group criteria and the criteria used to identify vendors that are above 50% vendors or comparable to above 50% vendors.
Validity or appropriateness of the State Agency’s participant access criteria and determinations.
The validity or appropriateness of the State Agency’s prohibition of incentive items and the State Agency’s denial of an above-50-percent vendor’s request to provide an incentive item to customers.
The State Agency’s determination to include or exclude an infant formula manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, or retailer from the list of approved sources for infant formula.
The State Agency’s determination whether to notify a vendor in writing when an investigation reveals an initial violation for which a pattern of violations must be established in order to impose a sanction.
The State Agency’s determination whether a vendor had an effective policy and program in effect to prevent trafficking and that the ownership of the vendor was not aware of, did not approve of, and was not involved in the conduct of the violation.
Expiration of the vendor’s agreement.
Disputes regarding food instrument payments and vendor claims.
Denial of authorization if the State Agency’s vendor authorization is subject to the procurement procedures applicable to the State Agency.
Disqualification of a vendor as a result of disqualification from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
APPEAL PERIOD
The vendor has 15 days to appeal the decision by a written request to the Department of Health and Human Services for a hearing.
The hearing time and place must be determined by the Department of Health and Human Services within 30 days after receiving the request for a hearing.
The hearing shall be held no later than 60 days after the request for hearing. The hearing will be conducted by an impartial fair hearing officer.
If the vendor appeals the decision, the vendor shall be permitted to continue as an authorized vendor while the appeal is in process. During the appeal process the vendor must comply with the terms of the vendor agreement as long as the vendor is an authorized WIC vendor.
FULL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS During the hearing, the vendor and the WIC Program will each have the opportunity to:
Present their cases.
Confront and cross-examine witnesses.
Be represented by legal counsel.
The vendor is also given one opportunity to reschedule a hearing, if needed.
The ability to examine evidence prior to the hearing.
Based upon the evidence presented at the hearing, the decision for the adverse action stands, is changed, or is overturned.
If a party is unhappy with the hearing decision, it can be appealed to a judicial review. A copy of the complete administrative appeal procedures is available from the state WIC office.
SUMMARY
The Nebraska WIC Program Retail Vendor Agreement outlines your major responsibilities as a Nebraska WIC retailer:
Contract is for a two year period Renewal process will require a new application Ownership Change or Store Closing – Notify WIC Contract terminates immediately with a change in ownership or store closing. Please let
your WIC Vendor Manager know at least 30 days in advance of an ownership change or a store closing.
Name or Address Change – Notify WIC at least 30 days in advance. Contract does not terminate with a change in store name but we must complete an addendum.
Staff Changes for Manager or WIC Contact Person – Notify WIC Contract May be Terminated with 30 Days Written Notice
If the WIC store contact changes at any time, please notify the Local WIC Agency so our files may be updated.
VENDOR RESPONSIBILITIES The WIC vendor, by completing a Nebraska WIC Program Retail Vendor Agreement, accepts the responsibility for managing WIC activities as related to his/her store. These responsibilities are identified in detail in Section 1 of the Retail Vendor Agreement. A brief outline of the major responsibilities follows:
WIC FOOD PRICE LIST
The vendor agrees to complete and return the semiannual “Food Price List” within two weeks from date of request. The price list should be signed and dated electronically. Stores failing to return the price lists within two weeks from the date of request will have sanction points levied.
CHECK CASHING The vendor agrees to follow all WIC check cashing procedures.
RETURNED CHECKS CASH REGISTER RECEIPT OR ELECTRONIC JOURNAL ENTRY WIC CHECK TRANSACTION
The vendor has the responsibility to notify the Local Agency WIC Vendor Manager of any returned checks except those with missing vendor stamp or unreadable vendor stamp or those paid via ACH for over the “Not to Exceed” amount. The vendor agrees to provide the cash register receipts, electronic journal entries, or acceptable records of the WIC check transactions for any or all returned checks for which the vendor is requesting review and possible reimbursement and for any or all checks for which the WIC agency or Department is requesting transaction records. These records should be retained for 60 days. The vendor agrees to transact WIC checks inside the store location only.
PROGRAM ABUSE
The vendor has the responsibility to notify the Local Agency WIC Vendor Manager of any potential program abuse (i.e. participant trying to return WIC foods for cash or participant trying to alter WIC checks). If a participant does try to return WIC foods for cash or to present an altered check, or there is a WIC transaction which appears suspicious, report it to the Local Agency WIC vendor manager.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The vendor has the responsibility of offering the same courtesies to WIC shoppers as other customers and not discriminate on the basis of age, race, national origin, color, sex, or disability.
INCENTIVES The vendor shall ensure that incentive items are not offered solely to WIC shoppers.
MINIMUM INVENTORY
The vendor shall at all times maintain foods to meet minimum stock inventory requirements. The minimum stock inventory identifies the food items and quantities required. The minimum inventory is also outlined in the Minimum Inventory section of this handbook.
USE OF COUPONS
Participants may use coupons to purchase WIC approved foods if the discount is taken off the price of the food. The cashier must not give money back to the WIC shopper for the coupons.
PROCEDURE CHANGES The vendor agrees to keep his staff up-to-date with WIC procedure changes.
VENDOR TRAINING
The vendor agrees to attend any training sessions, or send a store designee, as required by the State WIC Office or the Local WIC Agency. The vendor shall ensure that all employees who process WIC checks are trained in WIC check cashing procedures. Vendors shall document training to all employees who process WIC checks. Vendors are accountable for the actions of their employees in handling WIC checks and provision of WIC authorized food items.