memo
DATE:
May 4, 2016
TO:
WIC Coordinators
FROM:
Rick Chiat, WIC Food Delivery Unit Supervisor
SUBJECT:
Grants Available for Local Agency Store Partnership Activities – Due June 8th
The MDH WIC Program has received a limited amount of grant funds for FFY2016 from USDA to
be used for WIC local agency store partnership activities. The purpose of these funds is to
improve the WIC shopping experience for WIC participants by fostering the most positive
relationship between local WIC agencies and the stores in their service area.
Proposals:
Local agencies may submit a proposal up to a maximum of $10,000 that would promote improved
relationships with stores in their service area, with the overall objective of promoting a more
positive shopping experience for WIC participants who shop there. Some examples of the
activities local agencies could propose are:
• To have a WIC staff person available at a particular store location at a designated time to
answer questions about the WIC foods available at the store or the WIC foods listed on the
voucher;
• To meet on a regular basis with the store managers at the largest redeeming stores in a local
agency’s service area to identify and resolve potential issues related to the use of vouchers
at the stores;
• To assist stores in labeling the WIC foods available at the stores or in using the WIC Food
Finder App;
• To assemble a vendor work group in their community to discuss the WIC program to resolve
potential issues and enhance the WIC customer experience;
• To coordinate WIC store tours at specific store sites;
• To identify and recognize the actions specific stores have taken to improve the shopping
experience for their WIC customers as a model for other stores to follow;
• To develop a peer shopper approach for new participants;
• To identify the locations of the WIC foods and the brands/varieties of foods available at
selected stores;
• To gather and produce a list of shopping tips that experienced WIC shoppers have found
useful when shopping for the WIC foods.
Application Process
To submit a proposal:
1. Complete the Local Agency Store Partnership application found in this Wednesday Update
2. No later than Wednesday, June 8th, submit the completed form to Karilyn Schrankler at:
[email protected]
Timeline:
• Through June 8, 2016: Accept proposals for local agency store partnership activities.
• Mid-June 2016: Evaluate proposals and award local agency grant funds.
•
Late June – September 2016: Implementation of project activities. All activities must be
concluded and funds expended by September 30, 2016.
If you have any questions about these grant funds or the application process, please feel free to
contact me at [email protected] or at 651-201-4401.
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