PDFWAC 246-780-028
Authorized grower or authorized farm store—Minimum requirements.
The authorized grower or authorized farm store must:
(1) Comply with the WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP requirements and the terms and conditions of the contract;
(2) Accept training and technical assistance on WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP requirements and ensure that all persons working or volunteering with the authorized grower or at the authorized farm store at the location(s) specified in the contract are trained as well. Training may be provided by either a farmers market manager or the department and includes, but is not limited to: Eligible foods, benefit processing and redemption procedures, civil rights requirements, and the complaint process;
(3) Be held accountable regarding WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP purchases and requirements for the actions of all persons working or volunteering with the authorized grower or at the authorized farm store at the location(s) specified in the contract;
(4) Accept WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP benefits only for eligible foods;
(5) Accept WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP benefits only at authorized farmers markets or at authorized farm stores at the location(s) specified in the contract;
(6) Display the "WIC Farmers Market Benefits Welcome Here" sign when selling eligible foods at authorized farmers markets and authorized farm stores;
(7) Provide participants with the full amount of product for the value of the program transaction;
(8) Charge participants the same prices as other customers;
(9) Make produce available to participants that is the same quality as that offered to other customers;
(10) Comply with federal and state nondiscrimination laws;
(11) Treat participants as courteously as other customers;
(12) Cooperate with department staff in monitoring for compliance with WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP requirements and provide information on request;
(13) Reimburse the department for mishandled WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP benefits;
(14) Not collect sales tax on WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP benefit purchases;
(15) Not give cash back or tokens for purchases with WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP benefits; and
(16) Not trade, barter, or otherwise use farmers market benefits to purchase foods from other growers or pay for market fees or other business costs.
(17) Maintain a business model that promotes business integrity. The department may investigate the business integrity of a WIC vendor or applicant at any time. In its determination of business integrity, the department's considerations will include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Providing complete and truthful information in the application, correspondence, and other documents requested by the department.
(b) Cooperating with department requests to complete WIC authorization or compliance activities.
(c) Providing business and financial documentation to the department upon request.
(d) Having no uncorrected violation(s) from a previous contracting period, current disqualification, or outstanding claims owed to the department.
(e) Disclosure of any third party, agent, or broker involved in any part of the application process.
(f) Disclosure of any broker of third parties.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.120 and 43.70.700. WSR 25-09-026, s 246-780-028, filed 4/7/25, effective 5/8/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.700. WSR 10-21-068, § 246-780-028, filed 10/15/10, effective 11/15/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.120 and 7 C.F.R. 248. WSR 00-07-129, § 246-780-028, filed 3/22/00, effective 4/22/00.]