Colorado WIC Program Policies and Procedures Section 1: Vendor and Farmer Management Revised: 10/01/2025

Vendor Coordination – Vendor Authorization and Management

Policy: An appropriate number of and distribution of vendors are authorized to ensure lowest practicable food prices and effective management, oversight and review of authorized vendors.

Regulation: 7 CFR 246.12, 7 CFR 246.4

Procedure/Additional Guidance: Vendor coordination is met through the joint efforts of the State WIC Program, Local Agency WIC staff, vendors, and WIC participants.

The Benefit Delivery Unit (BDU) consistently promotes the vendor coordination goals of the State WIC Office. ● Foster positive working relationships between vendors, the WIC Program (Program), and WIC participants. Placing the needs and the interests of WIC families at the forefront of WIC service delivery with the expectation that the experience will support healthy eating behaviors. ● Ensure that WIC participants, local agency WIC staff, and staff in WIC-approved stores are advised of the Program’s policies and procedures and how to handle WIC transactions appropriately. ● Work with WIC-approved vendors and participants to ensure that only the prescribed foods are purchased. ● Ensure effective State management and oversight of a food delivery system based on WIC participant access, competitive prices, customer service, compliance with Federal and State policy and regulations, and availability of supplemental WIC foods. Page 1 of 1