Summer 2025 Quarterly Vendor Call Minutes

Reauthorizations

• The majority of contract renewals were sent out via DocuSign to the Owner Contact Email that we have on file for each business. The remainder will be sent before August 15th.
• If you are not eligible for your contract to be renewed either because you did not complete the annual training, did not complete the upgrade to the new stand-beside equipment, or you have an outstanding fine that was not paid on time, you will receive a notice by August 15th of non-renewal of your contract.

Stand Beside Device Upgrades

• All stand-beside devices had to be upgraded to new equipment to meet current digital security standards and requirements. Our payment processor, Solutran, has contracted with TotilPay / FFAB to issue the new devices.
• All new devices should have been sent to the stores by now, and if you have not received the equipment or begun using it, you will need to work with TotilPay/FFAB and us immediately. You can contact us at DHS.WICVendor@illinois.gov. If you do not have your new equipment up and running by August 15th and have not made us aware of an issue with the new equipment, then your contract will not be renewed after 9/30/25.

Minimum Stock Requirements

• In accordance with the Illinois Administrative Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 672.215) and pursuant to updates in the WIC Federal Food Package Final Rule, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will require the following changes to the minimum required quantities of WIC-eligible foods, based on vendor type and location.
• The table below outlines the previous requirements, revised requirements, and justification for each change:

Category	Previous Requirement	New Requirement	Justification
Fruits & Vegetables	Minimum two (2) varieties of fresh fruits and two (2) varieties of fresh vegetables.	Minimum three (3) varieties of fresh fruits and three (3) varieties of fresh vegetables	Align with revised federal food package requirements.
Juice	Minimum of two (2) flavors in 48 oz or 12 oz frozen and two (2) flavors of 64 oz juice	Minimum of two (2) flavors in 64 oz containers only. Must stock a total of six (6) or nine (9) containers based on peer group.	Transition toward FY26 food package changes and simplify product requirements.
Infant Formula	Required to stock Enfamil Infant and Enfamil ProSobee Powder	Required to stock two (2) types of powder: Enfamil Infant and at least one (1) additional Enfamil contract powder formula (see current Minimum Stock List)	Better reflect actual redemption patterns and offer vendor flexibility while maintaining program compliance.

• These changes will be incorporated into enforcement protocols and monitoring activities beginning October 1, 2025. Vendors failing to maintain the updated minimum stock may be subject to sanctions (77 Ill. Adm. Code 672.510).

Store Loyalty Cards & Rewards

• As a reminder, per the EBT Operating Rules, WIC Vendors offering loyalty programs to non-WIC shoppers must also make these options available to WIC Cardholders. WIC Cardholders may use these programs when purchasing WIC food items.
• WIC Cardholders are not required to participate in loyalty programs.

Vendor Compliance

• WIC Vendors are not authorized to give the WIC Cardholder the right to uy a WIC Food Item or non-WIC Food item after the food benefit is processed, and may not deduct WIC benefits from a card without the cardholder present, and at the time that the items are being purchased at the store. This means, no rainchecks, IOUs, or accounts can be used in conjunction with WIC Benefits.

Email Communications & Change Reporting

• It is important to notify the DHS Office of any changes to the store owners, management, hours, or way that benefits are processed. This can be done by submitting a change notice though the website.
• Vendors are required to notify DHS at least 15 days before any expected closure or sale of the business.

Helpful Resources

• WIC Vendor Website - www.dhs.state.il.us/wicvendor
• WIC Vendor Handbook - www.dhs.state.il.us/wicvendor
• IRMA Training Site - https://wic.irma.org
• Vendor Contact Information - DHS.WICVendor@illinois.gov  

Open Q & A

• Is the 48oz or 12oz frozen juice being removed from WIC Completely?
  • Not at this time, participants are still being issued this benefit, but it is no longer a requirement for vendors to maintain minimum stock of this size of juice after October 1st.
• How can I change the email address for a store manager?
  • Please notify us at DHS.WICVendor@illinois.gov of the new contact.

Closing

* Next quarterly call is November 12, 2025.

WIC Vendor Contacts: