GSCN funds sub-grant projects that implement WIC online shopping to explore key factors related to successful implementation and to understand real life implementation experiences. The first sub-grant opportunity, released in 2021, funded four sub-grant projects to develop and implement WIC online shopping. The second sub-grant funding opportunity closed on May 9, 2024. Additional sub-grant funding will be announced over the next few years.

Explore the Closed RFP Resources →

Explore existing WIC online shopping projects →

Based on the formative research, GSCN developed a WIC online shopping implementation guide in 2021, the Blueprint for WIC Online Shopping. Using lessons learned from the sub-grant projects, GSCN released an updated version of the Blueprint in 2024 and plans to update the Blueprint more frequently to ensure lessons learned are shared with the WIC community as quickly as possible.

Explore the Blueprint for WIC Online Shopping Projects →

GSCN will continue to leverage lessons learned from the sub-grant projects, guidance from GSCN-facilitated WIC online shopping expert working groups, and additional research and evaluation findings to develop tailored resources that support the expansion of WIC online shopping. GSCN will also generate specific resources for small, tribal, and rural vendors and farmers and farmers’ markets. All resources will be hosted on WICShop+, an all-in-one resource site developed by GSCN to provide a central location for WIC State agencies and their partners to find resources and technical assistance on WIC online shopping.

GSCN conducted formative research to gather input on factors that are important for successful WIC online shopping and to understand barriers that inhibit implementation of WIC online shopping. Through this research process, GSCN engaged diverse partners including WIC-authorized vendor representatives, EBT processors, WIC State agency staff, e-commerce representatives, and other WIC or online shopping experts. For more information, view GSCN’s publications:

• Application of a Delphi Technique to Identify the Challenges for Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance of WIC Online Ordering Across Various Systems and Stakeholders.

• State Agencies’ Perspectives on Planning and Preparing for WIC Online Ordering Implementation.

• A Mixed-Methods Study of Perceived Implementation Challenges for WIC Online Ordering and Transactions.

GSCN is currently conducting a study with Small, Tribal, and Rural Vendors, and Farmers and Farmers’ Markets (STRFM) to identify perceptions, experiences, and barriers to implementing WIC online shopping. The study included a brief survey in Fall 2023 that asked small, tribal, and rural vendors, and farmers and farmers’ markets about their awareness, interest, and feasibility of WIC online shopping implementation. In addition, those who completed the survey, along with external WIC and online shopping experts, will participate in a workshop to discuss potential barriers and solutions to WIC online shopping.

To continue engaging partners, GSCN is convening a series of working groups comprised of WIC partners and professionals with content or technical expertise in specific topic areas that need further exploration, ideation, and clarification to develop specific resources and documentation to support WIC online shopping expansion.