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Spring 2026
Purpose of WIC
Spring Forward with WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is committed to supporting low-income families across Maine by offering:
- Access to nutritious foods, including fruits and vegetables
- Guidance on healthy eating and lactation support
- Referrals to additional health and social services
WIC farmers play an essential role in advancing WIC’s mission by supplying fresh, unprocessed produce to families throughout Maine. The benefits of fresh produce are well-documented -- they support nutrition and growth while helping to lower the risk of chronic disease.
I really do get to feel good about the food I put on the table when it’s from the farmers’ market. – WIC Participant
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FMNP Purpose
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program – Introducing a New Generation to Farmers’ Markets
In addition to the standard WIC monthly food package, which includes a Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables redeemable at supermarkets or with local farmers, every WIC participant over 12 months old receives an extra benefit during the growing season. This benefit can be redeemed exclusively with authorized Maine farmers from July 1st to October 31st, or until funds run out.
The goals of WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program [FMNP] are to improve access to fresh locally grown produce for WIC families and to support local farmers by introducing new customers to the advantages of shopping at farmers’ markets and farmstands.
The ability to afford locally grown and resourced produce is invaluable to families looking for wholesome and healthy food options but also for the local economy and farmers in the community. – WIC Participant.
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Transactions Procedures
Prepping for a Successful Season…Reset Your Password
Let’s get the season off to a smooth and successful start!
Passwords for the Farmer S3ML App expire every 90 days. To prevent any service interruptions, it’s smart to reset your password before the season begins.
- Take a moment to log into the S3ML website (not the app): https://s3merchantlink.com.
- Select the Settings option on the left-side menu.
- Choose the 2nd tab across the top labelled Password and create your password.
Be sure to keep your password in a secure and easily accessible location.
TIP: Remember to check your ability to log into the App before heading to the farmers’ market.
For detailed instructions on resetting a password that has already expired, please email WICVendor@Maine.gov.
Need Support? Solutran/Optum is here for you:
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What’s New /Available Resources
New Resource – Graphics for your Social Media Page
Do you use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to promote your farm and boost sales? A new graphic designed for farmers is available for use in your marketing efforts or on your website. You can download a copy from our resource page here.
Would you like to personalize your content? To receive a file with a social media graphic customized specifically for your farm, please email WICVendor@maine.gov. Be sure to include your farm’s name in your message.
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Are You Prepared for the Season?
As part of the WIC agreement, farmers are required to display the WIC Program signage stating “WIC Accepted Here” in a prominent location. This allows WIC customers to easily identify your farm and use their WIC benefits with you.
New farmers will receive a canvas sign and a yellow laminated poster in their Welcome Packet. Both options are acceptable to fulfill this requirement. The yellow poster includes helpful information for participants on how to download the App needed to shop with WIC farmers.
If you are an existing farmer in need of replacement sign(s), please contact us via email at WICVendor@maine.gov.
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Eligible Foods
WIC Benefits – What’s Allowed?
WIC participants can redeem their benefits with Authorized WIC farmers for any variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including herbs like basil, parsley or chives. For FMNP benefits, the produce must be grown in Maine.
TIP: If your farm only sells Maine-grown items, always select ME Grown Produce from the Product/Category drop-down menu for each transaction. The WIC General Produce option is intended only for farmers who also sell produce grown outside of Maine.
WIC Eligible Items. Examples include:
- Fresh fruits (e.g., apples, blueberries, strawberries)
- Fresh vegetables (e.g., corn, cucumbers, carrots, beets, squash)
- All varieties of potatoes (e.g., russet, red, Yukon gold, sweet potatoes)
- Fresh herbs (e.g., mint, oregano, sage, cilantro)
Some items that are not allowed include:
- Fruit baskets or cut vegetables with dip, sauces, or glazes
- Dried fruits or vegetables or mixed fruits and nuts
- Potted plants with vegetables, fruits or herbs
- Processed food like baked goods or fruit jams
- Animal products including cheese, eggs, and milk
- Maple syrup, honey, cider
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Training Employees
Need Support or Training Materials?
Do your cashiers need extra support or training for processing WIC transactions? If so, email WICVendor@Maine.gov for technical assistance or explore our training resources available on our webpage. You’ll find valuable information that will help your staff feel confident when handling WIC transactions.
TIP: Adding users to your account allows each cashier to have their own login and multi-factor authentication, which streamlines the login process. To do this, log into the S3 Merchant Link website https://s3merchantlink.com, select Account, and navigate to the Users tab. Each new user will be sent an email with registration instructions.
Feel free to refer Market Managers for WIC training and support too!
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Customer Complaints
Helping WIC Customers be Successful Shoppers
If you encounter a WIC customer in need of extra instruction about how to shop with WIC farmers, please let us know. Local WIC agencies have staff members trained to provide education and shopping support. Should a WIC shopper need more help than you can provide, encourage them to reach out to their local WIC office or collect their contact details and contact the State WIC Agency at 207-287-3991 or WICVendor@maine.gov. We will ensure that the customer receives extra support to feel confident when shopping with farmers.
TIP: Please note that the WICShopper app and eWIC cards cannot be used to shop with WIC farmers. If the customer presents an eWIC card rather than a barcode, ask them to download the BNFT app from the app store or scan the QR code on the yellow WIC poster. Markets often feature a WIC information table where new shoppers can receive shopping support. Additionally, you can recommend that shoppers connect with their local WIC program for further assistance.
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Reporting Changes to WIC
Let’s Stay Connected!
Throughout the year, we will advertise your sales sites to our WIC participants through the WICShopper App and our website. If you have any updates during the season, please keep us informed. In addition to sales site updates, other things to report to WIC include changes in contact information, temporary closure of your farm due to emergencies, or changes in ownership. You can reach us at 207-287-3991 or email WICVendor@Maine.gov.
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Thank you for being an essential part of the Maine WIC Farmers' Network. We look forward to another successful season together.
Good to Know
Farmer Sanction System /Claims
The Maine WIC Program may initiate administrative action against farmers for non-compliance based on violations of the Farmer Agreement. This is a pattern-based system, and farmers have the right to appeal most findings. The latest sanction policy can be found here.
When federal sanctions are imposed, the WIC Program is required to notify the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), if authorized. A disqualification from either program for federal sanctions may result in a disqualification from both programs.
If the WIC Program detects overcharges by an authorized farmer, it will establish a claim against that farmer. Claims against farmers are not subject to administrative appeal.
Equitable Treatment / Incentives
You must always treat a WIC customer the same as you would any other customer. Eligible produce must be offered at the same prices as those for other customers. WIC farmers must provide WIC customers with the same promotions and discounts offered to the general public.
Civil Rights Compliance
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, WIC and authorized vendors must treat participants fairly regardless of race, color, age, national origin, disability, or sex. For more information, visit our Non-Discrimination Statement.
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This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Non-Discrimination Statement
This publication is paid for by the USDA.
Maine WIC Nutrition Program
Department of Health & Human Services
Center for Disease Control & Prevention
286 Water Street
Augusta, ME 04330
207-287-3991 1-800-437-9300
TTY: Maine Relay 711
email: WICVendor@maine.gov
website: Maine.gov/WIC
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