The Blueprint

The Blueprint for WIC Online Shopping Projects (“the Blueprint”) was developed through engagement with WIC State agencies, WIC-authorized vendor representatives, EBT processors, e-commerce representatives, and other WIC or online shopping experts. The lessons learned from existing WIC online shopping projects also informed development of the Blueprint.

Though WIC online shopping does not have a one-size-fits-all approach, the Blueprint can be used as a roadmap for WIC State agencies and their partners as they prepare and implement online shopping options within their State, tribe, or territory. 

EXPLORE THE BLUEPRINT

Key Stages of WIC Online Shopping 

The implementation of WIC online shopping projects can be broken into four key stages: Plan and Prepare, Design and Build, Implement, and Maintain. Steps within stages may be iterative and occur in one or more stages. The updates to this Blueprint are based on early lessons learned from working with WIC State agencies designing and implementing WIC online shopping projects. Thus, these updates focus primarily on the Plan and Prepare and Design and Build stages, with some updated information on the Implement and Maintain stages. More details regarding the Implement and Maintain stages will be provided in future Blueprint versions. 

Plan & Prepare

1

  • Determine the scope and scale of the project.

  • Assemble a WIC online shopping implementation team.

  • Consider federal regulations.

  • Explore Management Information Systems (MIS) implications.

  • Establish budgets and execute partner contracts.

  • Establish a workplan and timeline.

  • Establish team communication and collaboration. 

Design & Build

2

  • Coordinate the design and build process for WIC online shopping systems.

  • Specify necessary functionality of build.

  • Ensure system security and confidentiality.

  • Optimize the user experience.

  • Develop a process for order fulfillment and provision.

  • Develop a training plan.

  • Conduct internal and external testing.

  • Plan for marketing and education. 

Implement

3

  • Go live with WIC online shopping.

  • Monitor and assess. 

Maintain

4

  • Track and measure data and outcomes affiliated with the WIC online shopping projects.

Ready for more?

Explore additional information on WIC online shopping in our Resource Library.