Eric: So, let’s complete our trial run using the food instruments.

Vanessa: That would be really helpful. I always learn better when I can act something out.

Eric: Okay. Let’s go through the steps you need to take to complete a transaction. Again, at the checkout, Amber is going to tell you she’s using WIC food instruments and hands you her WIC ID folder and let’s say, she has three food instruments. WIC customers can use more than one food instrument per visit; but they have to be handled as separate transactions.

There’s lots of information on the food instrument. So, let’s look closely at one of Amber’s. They tell you all you need to know to complete the transaction.

You need to verify the food instruments are valid by checking the ‘First Date to Use’ and the ‘Last Date to Use.’ The food instruments can only be used on or within those dates not before or after. Due to clinic schedules, WIC participants or their authorized representatives may receive food instruments before the first date to use. However, we are not allowed to cash the food instrument before the first date to use. The food instruments are valid until 11:59pm on the ‘Last Date to Use.’

Vanessa: Good to know.