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Megan's Message
Summer has arrived which typically brings on sun, fun and relaxation. Virginia WIC is moving full steam ahead through this season preparing for the reopening of the WIC clinics. The August deadline for reopening is quickly approaching and we are excited to welcome back our participants to in-person services.
The annual participant survey has opened, and Virginia WIC is participating in a multi-state approach this year. The survey will be live from July 5th, 2023, through September 5th, 2023, and will be provided through an online platform. Participants will be asked questions on a variety of topics including the WIC shopping experience. After the survey closes, data will be analyzed by an outside vendor and compared with other WIC state agencies.
Food applications have closed for the next Virginia WIC Food List and the project is on track for release in spring of 2024. Additionally, the WIC mobile app has made progress with the security update work with anticipated release of fall 2023. We look forward to these projects and many others we have on the horizon. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We hope you can enjoy the summer fun!
Megan Nason, MS, RD
Virginia WIC Program Manager
Division of Community Nutrition
Megan.Nason@vdh.virginia.gov
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WIC Food List
The current food list for the VA WIC program is 2022 Food list. Please put a copy at each WIC approved register. The food list is published every two years. The next food list will be released Spring 2024. Additional copies of the Food List and other WIC supplies can be ordered using the Retailer Supply Request Web form.
VA WIC Vendor Liaisons
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The Status of Eggs and Milk Waivers
The national public health emergency (PHE) declaration has ended on May 11, 2023. Therefore, all active WIC waivers including eggs and milk waivers under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) are expiring on August 9, 2023 (90 days following the end of PHE). As a result, the Virginia WIC Program will resume to pre-COVID procedures after August 9, 2023.
CHANGES effective August 10, 2023, for EGGS and MILK
Eggs
WIC participants are no longer allowed to purchase the following organic eggs. The Virginia WIC Program continues to allow one dozen any size grade A or AA white or brown eggs (small, medium, large, extra-large, and jumbo but no cage-free or free-range eggs).
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036800133334
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Full Circle Organic Grade A Large Brown Eggs-1 doz.
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041497097869
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Weis Quality Organic Large Brown Eggs - 1 doz.
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072036630612
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Harris Teeter Organic Grade A Large Brown Eggs - 1doz.
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698264000418
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Alderfer Organic Large Brown Eggs - 1 doz.
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698264000616
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Alderfer Grade A Organic Jumbo Brown Eggs - 1 doz.
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Milk
- If WIC participants are prescribed Whole Milk, they can purchase regular and lactose-free whole milk. UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) whole milk is no longer allowed without prescription.
- If WIC participants are prescribed Low-Fat/Fat-Free Milk, they can purchase skim (fat-free), 1% regular or lactose-free milk and soy milk. 2% milk, 2% lactose free milk and UHT milk are no longer allowed without prescription.
Cashiers should scan all eggs and milk items first to see if they can go through instead of telling WIC participants that they are not WIC approved.
Please contact your WIC vendor liaison or Brian Tun, UPC Coordinator at Brian.Tun@vdh.virginia.gov if you have any questions regarding the eggs and milk waivers.
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Monitoring
The Virginia WIC Program has resumed official store monitoring visits. Our primary focus during these visits will be to check WIC approved shelf labels and items on the WIC Minimum Stocking chart below. In preparation for our visit, please verify you have in stock all required foods using the chart below and locate your WIC Retail store binder and verify the following contents:
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Virginia WIC Minimum Stocking
The minimum stocking requirement (MSR) must be met at all times. The products must be in the store during normal business hours. Expired foods do not count toward the requirement. Use the Approved Product List (APL) and the Approved Food List to determine approved brands, varieties, and UPCs that may be used to meet the MSR.
 Refer to Performance Guidelines: Minimum Stocking Requirement document for more details.
WIC Shelf Labels
With the introduction of the new WIC approved food list in July 2022 all stores are required to use either State WIC Office supplied “Wholesome Informed Choices” or an approved custom shelf labels on the following items.
- Breakfast Cereals: whole grain and non-
whole grain (all WIC approved brands).
- Cheeses: block, slice and string (all WIC
approved brands).
- Juice: frozen, liquid and refrigerated.
- Milk: 1%, skim and fat free (gallon, half
gallon and quart sizes).
- Peanut butter
Stores have the option of broadening the use of WIC shelf labels on other WIC approved foods as long as they use the labels consistently on all WIC eligible brands within a food category, such as whole wheat breads, baby foods, etc.
Shelf labels are very important to identify WIC-approved foods. WIC cardholders are trained to look for standard or custom shelf labels when shopping. If you need to order additional “Wholesome Informed Choices” shelf labels, or want additional information on shelf labels, please contact your assigned Vendor Liaison. You can use a Retailer Supply Request Form (see link on back cover), or directly below to request additional WIC shelf labels. See the Signage and Shelf Labels document for more shelf label details.
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 Q. If milk has a one-day sale price, does the (Stand Beside equipment) need to reflect the sale price?
Answer: Yes, the sale price should be submitted for reimbursement. The current price should be charged to the WIC program. Please see Sanction Section violation C3.
Q. Where do I find the latest WIC program updates?
Answer: The WIC Retailer Resources web page contains the newest training materials, manuals and Approved Product List (APL) available for download. Access retailer information all in one convenient place Virginia WIC Retailers web site. See the Notices and Updates section for recent updated information.
Q. Where can I get more Food Lists and other WIC materials?
Answer: There are 3 ways to order WIC materials.
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Online Supply form on VA WIC website under Resources
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Print Supply form and follow the instructions
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Call your WIC Vendor Liaison (Click here for the directory).
Q. What WIC materials should I have at each eWIC register?
Answer: Current (2022) Food List
Q. Where should I store the Cashier’s Handbook?
Answer: Each store needs only one copy, and it should be stored in the WIC Retail Store binder.
Q. What categories have mandatory shelf labels?
Answer: Refer to the Signage and Shelf Labels document for details.
Mandatory labels: Breakfast Cereal, Cheese (slice and block), Juice (frozen and liquid), Milk (1% and fat free),Yogurt, and Peanut Butter.
Non-Discrimination Statement: https://www.usda.gov/non-discrimination-statement
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