Vanessa: It sounds like WIC helps a lot of people all over the state. I can’t wait to get started!

Eric: I like your enthusiasm, but before we get to your role as a cashier we need to talk about the store’s role in the process. A store that participates in WIC is called a ‘vendor.’ Vendors are vital to the success of WIC and an important member of the health care community. One way to think about it is that WIC vendors are like a pharmacy, filling prescriptions. WIC food instruments are like prescriptions for supplemental foods for WIC customers.

Vanessa: Okay, so the WIC customer comes in with these food instruments, and the store, or the vendor, takes them in exchange for food.

Eric: Exactly. This is a great way for you to learn by the way – let’s use the example of Amber. Amber has completed her WIC shopping and is going to the register where she’ll redeem her food instruments. So, we as vendors need to know which foods are authorized on the WIC program, how to redeem WIC food instruments, and which programs we’re authorized to accept food instruments from. We also need to be sure to treat Amber and all WIC customers with the same courtesies as any other customer. WIC Customers can use any register except the cash only or self check out registers.

Vanessa: Wow that sounds like a lot for me to learn…Will I really get the hang of this?

Eric: It is a lot of information, but it’s important for WIC vendors to understand WIC policies, procedures and regulations that are in the WIC Vendor Contract and Vendor Manual and the Federal Regulations for the program. If you have questions about these references just ask your store manager. One of those Federal Regulations requires that all vendors are trained.