BOX 11-1Challenges That Affect Participant Redemption of WIC Foods

State level

• Authorizing widely available food options
• Maintaining a Universal Product Code (UPC) list
• Keeping apprised of market developments
• Identifying and authorizing vendors conveniently located for participant access
• Keeping apprised of and addressing vendor challenges

Participant level

• Accessing WIC-vendors
• Identifying WIC-approved foods
• Translating the cash value voucher (CVV) into a quantity of vegetables and fruits; keeping track of the CVV balance
• Checking out with ease
• Understanding the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system and maintaining a list of nonredeemed foods

Clinic level

• Assisting WIC participants in identifying local WIC vendors, particularly when authorized vendors change
• Adapting to the EBT system
• Training staff
• Vendor level
• Adapting to the EBT system
• Keeping required WIC products in stock
• Updating UPC coding of WIC-approved products
• Training staff
• Providing refrigeration at small stores
• Maintaining inventory of WIC-approved foods while maintaining a viable business

Manufacturer level

• Meeting WIC food specifications for composition and sizes

SOURCES: Evidence derived from the literature review (see the phase I report, NASEM, 2016), also informed by the committee site visits and workshop presentations and discussion, July 29, 2016 (see Appendix D).