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III (B). INFORMATION SYSTEM
GOAL: Pursue WIC Online Ordering solution of WIC eligible food items.
METHODOLOGY: Identify recommendations/limitations/benefits/impacts for implementing WIC online ordering. Initiate discussion and collect comments / recommendations from the WIC community (FNS, forum, other States) related to successful adoption and implementation of WIC online ordering. Explore key aspects of WIC online ordering and develop high-level business requirements, such as WIC authorized vendor requirements, and transaction security, costs impact. Engage WIC authorized vendors to explore online ordering platforms.
EVALUATION: The State Agency (SA) will evaluate the estimated cost of implementing online ordering and research and review grant opportunities to fund this initiative. Vendors will be polled to assess interest in participating in an online ordering model and willingness to incur any associated costs.
STATUS: WV assessed several demonstrations of online pilot projects via the National WIC Association Technology Conference as well as a state specific presentation by JPMA in partnership with Umoja. WV began working with Rhode Island in April 2024 on an application as a multi-state consortium - Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont and WV - for the second round of Center for Nutrition and Health Impact’s WIC Online Ordering grants. Notice was provided in June 2024 that the proposed solution does not meet requirements of online ordering, but the consortium will transition to an online ordering planning grant. WV will continue work with CT, RI and VT - See vendor management goal (E) - for FFY2025. Status updates will be provided there as the Vendor Management Unit takes lead on the initiative. 3 of 3