WIC Vendor New Authorization or Add a Location

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Central WIC is soliciting applications from eligible grocery stores, pharmacies, and military commissaries for initial authorization as WIC vendors or for existing vendors seeking to add new locations. The authorization process is based on a series of pass/fail evaluations focusing on application selection, SNAP authorization, participant access, and the results of an initial authorization visit. Applicants must demonstrate business viability, maintain minimum inventory, and offer competitive pricing to ensure they can adequately serve WIC participants. All vendors must comply with federal USDA regulations under 7 CFR 246 and satisfy specific eligibility requirements, as those classified as Above-50-Percent (A50) vendors are not authorized. The application process requires the submission of comprehensive documentation through the MSDH OpenGov Procurement portal, including business and privilege tax licenses, proof of ownership, Form W-9, and price surveys. Pharmacy applicants must also provide a pharmacy license and a specific pharmacy price survey. Once an application is approved, the vendor must sign a WIC Vendor Agreement to begin accepting benefits. These agreements are issued for up to three years, with a common expiration date of September 30, 2029. Payments for WIC transactions are handled via electronic reimbursement, requiring vendors to provide a nine-digit ACH routing number. The initial period of performance begins October 1, 2026, and applications must be submitted by September 1, 2029.