Office of Nutrition Services


How Do I Become A WIC Vendor?

The vendor application process for the West Virginia Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is relatively simple. Any interested grocery stores or pharmacies located in the State of West Virginia who wish to participate in the WIC Program need to contact the Vendor Management Unit (VMU) of the WV WIC Program at 304-558-1115.  You may also inquire about becoming a WV WIC Vendor by completing the On-Line Vendor Inquiry Form.  A staff member will collect the necessary information to have an application mailed to the applicant vendor and will review the four criteria required of applicant grocery vendors and the requirement that pharmacies provide the specialized formula within forty-eight hours of the request.

All grocery store vendors are required to stock specific types and quantities of food that meet certain nutritional needs of the participants served by the WIC Program. These specific types and amounts of food are listed on the Minimum Stock Grid.

After the vendor has determined that his/her stock complies with the Minimum Stock Grid, the completed application, including shelf prices of WIC approved food, is to be returned to the WV WIC Program, VMU,   350 Capitol Street, Room 519 Charleston, WV 25301-3717.

An unannounced site visit to the applicant vendor will be conducted by a VMU staff member to verify that the Minimum Stock requirements are being met, to verify shelf prices and to review business, food stamp, and if applicable, sanitary  licenses. The vendor's shelf prices will be entered into the computer system and the store's prices will be compared to the WIC Program's Maximum Price Edit. The vendor's price must be at or below the Maximum Price Edit in order for the application process to continue. If the store's prices exceed the edit, a VMU staff member will contact the store with information about the food items that may need to be reduced in price in order to comply with the Maximum Price Edit. If the vendor's prices are at or below the Maximum Price Edit, a letter will be issued inviting the vendor to training. Applicant vendors are required to attend a comprehensive training session on the Rules and Regulations of the WIC Program prior to authorization as a WIC vendor. Training is held monthly in Charleston, WV. Authorization usually is effective at the beginning of the following month.

Applicant vendors are issued a six month probationary contract. At the end of the probationary period , a performance review of the vendor's ability to accept and process WIC drafts correctly will be completed. If this review meets the approval of the WIC Program VMU, an extension contract will be issued to the vendor to place his contract expiration within the scope of other vendors in that immediate area. Vendor contracts are generally based upon a two year period.

Vendor authorization is not transferable.

For further information, please contact the VMU at 304-558-1115.