WIC Messenger Fall 2021

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Training Log This newsletter provides required annual training for any staff who assist with WIC sales in your store. Please have all staff handling WIC transactions and WIC benefits read this newsletter and complete the Training Log.  Return the completed log to us by October 30, 2021 and keep a copy for your records.  WIC staff will check your training logs during on-site visits.

Have you seen me? If your store decals are missing or in need of a makeover or didn’t receive new ones last year during transition to eWIC, email WICVendor@maine.gov to get yours today!

2021 Maine WIC Food List Updates: Listed below are the major changes to eligible WIC food categories as found in the Maine WIC Nutrition Program Approved Food List and Cashier Guide (Effective Sept 1, 2021). New products that meet our criteria are added every month. However, we don’t always know when new product becomes available which is where you can help. If you find a product that seems like it should be approved, but shows in WIC Shopper as not a WIC item, then submit that item through the “I couldn’t buy this” icon in the WICShopper App. The bold print indicates the change to the category. Milk Organic Store Brands (Full Circle, Great Value, Nature’s Promise, O Organics) Whole Goat Milk – liquid or powdered (Whole Milk Benefits Only) Cheese Organic (8,12,16,24, or 32 oz. size) Size: New 12 oz Oatmeal Size 16 oz or 24-32 oz containers Regular or Organic Brown Rice Regular or Any Organic (store or name brands) Whole Wheat Pasta Regular or Organic (store or name brands) Tortillas Regular or Organic (store or name brands) Bread Size: 13-16 oz packages, 24 oz packages 100% Whole Grain or Whole Wheat buns or rolls Fruits or Vegetables Dried Fruits or Vegetables (without added sugars, fats/oils). No bulk items allowed. Fresh or Canned: Salsas and Guacamole (may contain dried herbs/spices, vinegar) Canned: Fruits or Vegetables with herbs, spices, or vinegar (without added sugar or fat) like pepperoncini, diced tomatoes with herbs, or cinnamon applesauce Beans, Peas, Lentils Dried or Canned: Regular or Any Organic (store or name brands) Peanut Butter Reduced Fat or Organic Infant Foods Tippy Toes baby food Regular or Organic

eWIC Quiz True or False WIC covers the fee for bags.  The fat content of milk or yogurt selected must be the same fat content on the participant's benefit. Stores should charge the WIC Program for bottle deposits. Stores can override products that are not on the WIC PLU. Stores can check the WIC Shopper App to see if a product is WIC approved. Stores do not need to offer the customer any of the receipts in an eWIC transaction.

 Internet Disruption

What happens to an eWIC transaction if your store loses power or has a disruption of internet service?  eWIC is completely dependent on internet--if you have a disruption of internet service, you cannot complete an eWIC transaction.

WIC Vendor Quarterly Calls

Do you have topics you would like addressed on a Vendor call?  Complete and submit  Help Us Do Our Best Work form. 

Upcoming calls are scheduled for: 

• October 12, 2021 at 11:00 am
• January 11, 2022 at 11:00 am

Add me to Vendor Call Reminder

Answers to Quiz: 1.  False, 2.  True, 3.  False, 4.  False, 5.  True,  6.  False

The USDA FNS Non-Discrimination Statement 

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: How to File a Complaint, 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: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services Non Discrimination Notice:

The Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religious or political belief, ancestry, familial or marital status, genetic information, association, previous assertion of a claim or right, or whistleblower activity, in admission or access to, or the operation of its policies, programs, services, or activities, or in hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by and in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”); Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act; the Maine Human Rights Act; Executive Order Regarding State of Maine   Contracts for Services; and all other laws and regulations prohibiting such discrimination. Questions, concerns, complaints or   requests for additional information regarding the ADA and hiring or employment practices may be forwarded to the DHHS ADA/EEO Coordinators at 11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0011; 207-287-4289 (V); 207-287-1871(V); or Maine Relay 711 (TTY). Questions, concerns, complaints or requests for additional information regarding the ADA and programs, services, or  activities may be forwarded to the DHHS ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator, at 11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0011; 207-287-5014 (V); Maine Relay 711 (TTY); or ADA CivilRights.DHHS@maine.gov. Civil rights complaints may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, by phone at 800-368-1019 or 800-537-7697 (TDD); by mail to 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 509, HHS Building, Washington, D.C. 20201; or electronically at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf. Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication in program and services of DHHS are invited to make their needs and preferences known to the ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator. This notice is available in alternate formats, upon request.
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/documents/Nondiscrimination_Notice_June%202017.pdf

Maine WIC Nutrition Program
Department of Health & Human Services
Center for Disease Control & Prevention
286 Water Street
Augusta, ME 04330
287-3991   1-800-437-9300
TTY: Maine Relay 711
email: WICVendor@maine.gov
website: www.Maine.gov/WIC