22-07 - Temporary Additions to Contract Formulas

TO: Illinois WIC Vendors

FROM: Stephanie Bess, M.S., R.D., LDN

 Chief, Bureau of Family Nutrition

SUBJECT: Illinois WIC Vendor Notice 22-07 - Temporary Additions to Contract Formulas

DATE: June 1, 2022

In an effort to offer maximum flexibility to WIC participants and reduce the frustrations associated with not being able to purchase available infant formulas with WIC benefits due to specific size/type issues, Illinois is temporarily expanding the Illinois WIC Authorized Product List (APL) to include additional contract brand products not previously authorized.

For cardholders to successfully buy these new container sizes and types of formula with their WIC card, stores must ensure their WIC Point of Sale (POS) register system has the most current version of the APL. The APL is a regularly updated electronic file that includes all the WIC-authorized foods for Illinois.

Stores should do the following immediately to ensure their POS has downloaded the most current APL:

• Stores with Integrated POS Cash Register Systems should ask their corporate office, IT Department, or POS Equipment Provider to verify that they have the most current APL file.
• Stores with WIC Stand-Beside POS terminals must leave their POS terminals powered on overnight to receive the APL file automatically.

Additional authorized products include the following and are temporarily available for purchase with WIC benefits:

See the attached Temporary Additions to Contract Formulas Flyer (pdf) for more information.

If you have any questions, you may reach out to our offices at DHS.WICVendor@illinois.gov or by phone at 844-901-0962 (leave a message with as much information as possible and we will call you back within 1 business day).