Retailer eBulletin

The eUpdate to WIC Retailers is an email notice to authorized retailers from the WIC Nutrition Program. Each eUpdate contains important information for retailers to know about their participation in WIC. Owners are responsible for distributing the eUpdate information within their store(s) and for keeping their email address up to date with the WIC office.

WIC Customer Service is available to answer your questions about these updates and other WIC questions, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM toll free at 1-800-841-1410 extension 3620.

What you can find...

February 2011

January 2011

Unless otherwise noted, all materials and forms on this page are in PDF format.

February 2011

WIC Shopping Guide

Preparing for the March 1 Implementation

Coming Soon Flyers

WIC Shopping Guide

Starting March 1, 2011, the WIC Shopping Guide will be your main information source about WIC approved foods, WIC customer identification, and how to take a WIC check. It will also be where WIC customers get their information on WIC approved foods and how to use WIC checks.

In mid-February we will send the WIC Shopping Guide to your store. A few corporate offices asked us to send copies directly to them for distribution. We’re planning to send enough for each check stand and extra ones depending on the number of check stands in your store. The WIC Shopping Guide will come with a cover memo telling you about the document, how to order more copies, and who to call if you have questions.

Preparing for the March 1 Implementation

The “Changes Coming with the New WIC Shopping Guide” document was sent out via email. Please review the changes and prepare to train your checkers before the March 1 implementation. Continue using the WIC Approved Food Update effective July 1, 2010, and the WIC Checker Guide until the end of the day February 28, 2011. You will start using the WIC Shopping Guide on March 1, 2011. If you need extra copies of the “Changes Coming” document please contact WIC Customer Service at 1-800-841-1410 extension 3620.

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January 2011

WIC Check Logo Changed in November 2010

Similac Soy is the New Name for Soy Formula

Two Labels for PediaSure

Similac Sensitive for Spit-Up Shortages

WIC Shopping Guide Coming Soon

WIC Check Logo Changed in November 2010

Washington WIC has changed the logo printed on WIC checks. You will see both logos for a while—the old one with the stick people and the new one that simply says “WIC”. Eventually the old check stock will be used up. Until that happens, both logos are valid and identify the check as coming from the WIC Nutrition Program.

Similac Soy is the New Name for Soy Formula

There are currently three names for the soy formula, and all may be found on grocery shelves. The three names are: Similac Soy, Similac Sensitive – Soy, Similac Isomil Advance. Clients with checks for “X can(s) Similac Soy/Sensitive Soy pwd 12.4 or 12.9 oz” may purchase any of the three soy formulas.

All forms of the soy formula are affected, that is, powder, concentrate and ready-to-feed. The number of cans, can size, ingredients and the UPC code have not changed. Similac Soy started showing up on some retailer shelves in November 2010. These changes have been posted to our formula page.

Two Labels for PediaSure

There are currently two labels for PediaSure, and both may be found on grocery shelves. Clients with checks for the PediaSure may purchase either when their checks have the PediaSure listed. Clients can purchase any PediaSure product that is in a six-pack.

The graphics have changed and the word “shake” has been added to the new label. The word “shake” has not been added on the WIC check or in any other descriptions WIC uses to identify the product. The number of cans, can size, ingredients and the UPC code have not changed. The new labels started showing up on some retailer shelves in June 2010. We anticipate it will take about 12 months before the old label is totally off the shelves. Note: A different PediaSure product with the wording “Side Kick” on the label is not Washington State WIC approved.

Similac Sensitive for Spit-Up Shortages

Similac Sensitive for Spit-Up powder, in the 12.3 ounce can, formerly Similac Senstive R.S., is affected by a recall from the manufacturer, Abbott Nutrition. This recall is causing shortages in many areas in Washington. Abbott Nutrition says that their production of this formula should resume in January 2011 and be back to normal levels in March. If a WIC customer comes to your store and you are out of this product, please tell them to call another store in the area or to go to their WIC clinic for help. You may not substitute a different formula.

WIC Shopping Guide Coming Soon

In response to feedback from WIC clients, clinic staff and retailers the state WIC office has developed an improved WIC foods tool. This new tool, the WIC Shopping Guide, should ease confusion at the grocery store and make the WIC shopping experience better for WIC customers and retailers.

Beginning March 1, 2011, the new WIC Shopping Guide will be the main source for WIC customers, staff, and retailers to get information about WIC approved foods. It will replace other materials including the WIC Food Brochure, WIC Checker Guide, and WIC Approved Food Updates. It will also be translated into multiple languages.

In the coming months you will receive several communications. These communications will include detailed instructions, including when to stop using the old materials, a list of important changes, and talking points about the new guide.

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eUpdates

Retailer Training Information