The selection of foods available through the WIC program recently changed for the first time in 35 years – a change that holds potential to transform the retail food landscape in low-income communities, where liquor stores often proliferate and grocery stores are few.

Because all WIC vendors will be required by the new federal rules to stock their shelves with an array of products including fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and soy foods, anyone shopping at a WIC-authorized store will have access to these healthy foods.

For advocates, the WIC changes present an important opportunity. This new toolkit provides a range of tools and strategies for advocates to identify and work with prospective WIC vendors, and to help these retailers upgrade their offerings in accordance with the new, healthier WIC food packages.

This toolkit was produced by Planning for Healthy Places and the California WIC Association, in partnership with The California Endowment.

Download a copy of Changes in the WIC Food Packages: A Toolkit for Partnering with Neighborhood Stores below.

This toolkit includes three handouts advocates are encouraged to share with corner store owners. These are also available for download below:

• Becoming a WIC Vendor
  This handout briefly explains the benefits of becoming a WIC-authorized retailer and describes the basic requirements and application process.
• Minimum WIC Stocking Inventory Amounts
  WIC-authorized retailers are required to keep a minimum amount of certain foods from the WIC food packages on their shelves at all times. This handout specifies the minimum quantities of these foods, and identifies additional WIC-eligible food items and sizes that store owners may want to stock.
• Becoming a Food Stamp Retailer
  This handout is designed to help grocery stores who are not enrolled the “food stamp” program apply for a license to accept these benefits.

NOTE: Store signage depicted in photographs and illustrations in this toolkit may not necessarily reflect WIC program requirements. In addition, the food lists and program rules detailed are subject to change. For the most updated information, please see www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/wicworks/Pages/WICGrocerVendorMainPage.aspx.