Nebraska WIC Nutrition Programdhhs.ne.gov/WIC Documents/WIC Vendor Handbook... · 10/1/2017 ·...

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

http://www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2012/Complain_combined_6_8_12.pdf

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html

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


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*







12 oz. or larger



boxes on display


CEREALS


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







12 oz. or larger



boxes on display


CEREALS


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*







12 oz. or larger



boxes on display


CEREALS


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*







12 oz. or larger



boxes on display


CEREALS


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


Must have 2 packages Must carry 2 varieties


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


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


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


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.


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


Must be able to supply upon request.

SOY BEVERAGE/MILK


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)


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


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


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


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.


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


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


Must have 4 bottles of juice


100% BOTTLED JUICE


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







100% BOTTLED JUICE


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%







100% BOTTLED JUICE


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


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







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


Must have a total of 6 pourable juice concentrate and/or frozen concentrate


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



Must have a total of 6 frozen concentrate and/or pourable juice concentrate


100% JUICE FROZEN CONCENTRATE


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



Must have a total of 6 frozen concentrate and/or pourable juice concentrate


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


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


Must have 3 containers


Large & Super Must have 6 containers


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.

Nebraska WIC Nutrition Programdhhs.ne.gov/WIC Documents/WIC Vendor Handbook... · 10/1/2017 ·...

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Transcript of Nebraska WIC Nutrition Programdhhs.ne.gov/WIC Documents/WIC Vendor Handbook... · 10/1/2017 ·...