Updated 3-2020

Connecticut WIC Program Manual

WIC 400-19 SECTION: Food Delivery Systems SUBJECT: Conflict of Interest with Vendors

Federal Regulations: 7 CFR 246.12 (t) POLICY: The State agency must ensure that no conflict of interest, as defined by applicable State laws, regulations and policies, exists between the State agency and any WIC authorized vendor or farmer, or between any local agency and any vendor or farmer under its jurisdiction.

All State agency and local agency WIC employees shall read and sign the Connecticut WIC Program Conflict of Interest with Vendors statement, which contains the following.

State and local agency staff shall not: • Have any relatives that have any financial interest in any store authorized to accept WIC benefits.

• Show any favoritism, by oral or written communication, posters, handouts or media presentations, toward any WIC authorized vendor.

• Endorse any WIC authorized vendor, or discourage WIC participants from using a specific WIC authorized vendor.

• Receive any gratuities including cash, food, or coupons from any WIC authorized vendor or vendor applicant.

State and local agency WIC staff must report any threat to or violation of this conflict of interest policy to the WIC State Director.

When a potential conflict of interest exists, State or local agency staff must disclose the information contained in the final section on the Connecticut WIC Program Conflict of Interest with Vendors statement.

The Connecticut WIC Program Conflict of Interest with Vendors statement must be read and signed by all current WIC State employees, current local agency staff, and newly hired staff during the first week of the orientation period. A copy of this statement must be kept in the employee file and another copy must be scanned and sent via email to the State agency at ctwic@ct.gov no later than 30 days after its completion.