Using WIC EBT Data to Make Program Decisions Mary Blocksidge, Vendor Manager Massachusetts WIC Program EBT Next Generation November 6, 2017
Massachusetts WIC Program With the implementation of ewic, detailed transaction information is now available in real time. With WIC checks, information is typically available by check type and on a monthly basis. MA WIC utilizes reports from the Data Direct System (CDP/FIS), and in house reports to make program decisions.
Massachusetts WIC Program Massachusetts WIC completed statewide ewic implementation October 2014. Current caseload 116,500 917 Retailers statewide. 234 Small Independent stores 471 Chains stores 212 Pharmacies 3
Vendor Management High Risk Identification Report is reviewed for an unusual pattern of this type of transaction to determine if an investigation/inventory is necessary.
Vendor Management High Risk Identification The Benefit Redemption ID provides the details of the purchase: This report is reviewed for a pattern of high transaction amounts. 5
Vendor Management Pricing Retailers Generating NTE Detail Stores routinely charging prices over the NTE amount can be terminated without an investigation.
Vendor Management Compliance Investigations Scheduling is easier as benefits are now loaded remotely. Investigation results are in real time. With WIC checks, there was a wait time for the checks to be processed. ewic cards issued to the investigator can be used for multiple stores and/or future investigations.
Vendor Management Inventory Audits Vendor # 1234 ABC Supermarket Redemptions for September 1, 2017 September 30, 2017 Foodcategory Foodsubcategory Redemption Quantity Redemption Units Avg Price Per Unit Bread/Whole Grains Whole Wheat/Grain Bread 23 23 2.99 Breakfast Cereal Non Whole Grain 27 506 0.19 Breakfast Cereal Whole Grain 6 108 0.24 Cheese or Tofu 16oz Pkg Cheese 18 18 4.49 Eggs Dozen Large Eggs 25 25 1.69 Infant Formula 12.4oz Can(s) Similac Advance (Powder) 74 74 16.49 Infant Fruits and Vegetables Infant Fruits 71 71 0.75 Infant Fruits and Vegetables Infant Veg 65 65 0.75 Juice 64 oz 64oz Bottle(s) 100% Fruit Juice 36 36 3.59 Legumes 15.5oz Canned Beans 44 44 0.96 Legumes 18oz Peanut Butter/Dry Beans 8 8 2.42 Milk Low Fat/Fat Free Gallon 1% /Fat Free Milk 67 67 4.33 Milk Low Fat/Fat Free Gallon 2% Milk 2 2 4.39 Inventory Audits can be conducted on all items, not limited to Infant Formula. The timeframe for the audits is also more flexible.
Vendor Management Minimum Inventory Item Category Retailer Peer Group Approved Description Item Description Retailer Id Description Quantity Infant Meats Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Chicken & Chicken Broth 0770 Peer Group 1 14 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Chicken & Chicken Broth 5034 Peer Group 1 3 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Beef & Beef Broth 0770 Peer Group 1 16 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Beef & Beef Broth 2009 Peer Group 1 43 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Beef & Beef Broth 5034 Peer Group 1 2 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Beef & Beef Broth 5538 Peer Group 1 124 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Turkey & Turkey Broth 3421 Peer Group 1 6 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Turkey & Turkey Broth 3435 Peer Group 1 21 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Turkey & Turkey Broth 6236 Peer Group 1 31 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Chicken & Chicken Broth 0314 Peer Group 2 6 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Chicken & Chicken Broth 0711 Peer Group 2 22 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Chicken & Chicken Broth 0714 Peer Group 2 1 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Chicken & Chicken Broth 0759 Peer Group 2 93 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Chicken & Chicken Broth 0767 Peer Group 2 1 Beech Nut Classics Stage 1 Chicken & Chicken Broth 0829 Peer Group 2 23 When revaluating Minimum Inventory Requirements, detailed purchase data is available by Retailer and Peer Group.
Vendor Management Locating Items Soy Milk Last 3 Months of Redemption Totals Item Number Approved Quantity Silk Original Soymilk 25293600393 15,027.00 8th Continent Original Soymilk 53859070663 1,344.00 Soy Milk Last 3 Months of Redemption By Location Item Description UPC Code Retailer Id Retailer Name Retailer City Approved Quantity 8th Continent Original Soymilk 53859070663 0321 America's Food Basket Dorchester Center 27 0729 Market Basket #32 Chelsea 169 1901 Price Rite #347 West Springfield 14 1940 Save A Lot #811 Springfield 65 Silk Original Soymilk 25293600393 0308 Super Stop & Shop (F&P) #429 Dorchester 272 0729 Market Basket #32 Chelsea 330 1334 Super Stop & Shop (F&P) #020 Quincy 554 7018 Super Stop & Shop (F&P) #062 Malden 356 Details are available to show which products are more widely available and specifics of where the items are purchased.
Vendor Management Locating Items Pediasure Strawberry Details are available to show which products are more widely available and specifics of where the items are purchased.
Participant Redemption Information The benefit history shows the quantities issued and redeemed, and specifics for Whole Grain and Fruit and Vegetable purchases. Local programs can review the benefit history and tailor nutrition education as appropriate. 12
Participant Redemption Information Frequently Purchased Items Whole Grains last 6 months Item Description Approved Quantity Wonder 100% Whole Wheat Bread 91,172.00 Sara Lee Classic 100% Whole Wheat Bread 70,029.00 Arnold Stone Ground 100% Whole Wheat Bread 16oz 58,089.00 Bimbo 100% Whole Wheat Bread 52,290.00 Market Basket 100% Whole Wheat Bread 44,821.00 Stop & Shop 100% Whole Wheat 16oz 41,988.00 Holsum 100% WW, 16oz 25,322.00 Signature Kitchens 100% Whole Wheat Bread 8,858.00 Big Y 100% Whole Wheat Bread 8,144.00 Stop & Shop No Salt Added 100% Wheat 16oz 7,486.00 Chi Chi's Whole Wheat Tortillas 16oz 5,359.00 Hannaford 100% Whole Wheat Bread 5,088.00 McCann's Irish Oatmeal Quick Cooking 3,647.00 GOLD MEDAL 100% Whole Wheat 2,578.00 Mission Whole Wheat Soft Taco 16oz 2,499.00 Gourmet 100% Whole Weat Bread 2,462.00 Success Brown Rice 10 Minute Boil In Bag 14 oz 2,419.00 Barilla Whole Grain Penne 2,304.00 This information is helpful for new participants and retailers with regard to purchasing and/or stocking Whole Grains.
Participant Redemption Information This information is helpful for WIC participants and retailers with regard to purchasing and/or stocking WIC cereals.
Participant Redemption Information Benefit Category Benefit Subcategory Description Utilization % Milk Whole 12oz Can Evaporated Whole Milk 88.73% Fruits and Vegetables Cash Value Fruits & Vegetables Cash Value 83.78% Milk Whole Gallon Whole Milk 83.40% Eggs Dozen Large Eggs 81.48% Milk Low Fat/Fat Free 12oz Can Evaporated Lowfat/Fat Free Milk 81.48% Juice 64 oz 64oz Bottle(s) 100% Fruit Juice 77.83% Cheese or Tofu 16oz Pkg Cheese 73.92% Milk Low Fat/Fat Free Gallon 1% /Fat Free Milk 72.17% Infant Fruits and Vegetables 4oz jar Infant Fruits+Veg 66.78% Legumes 18oz Peanut Butter/Dry Beans 65.76% Legumes 15.5oz Canned Beans 64.59% Breakfast Cereal Ounces Cereal 63.22% Milk Low Fat/Fat Free Half Gal Soymilk 62.01% Bread/Whole Grains 16oz Bread/Whole Grains 61.72% Infant Cereal 8oz Infant Cereal 54.41% Infant Meats 2.5oz jar Infant Meats 27.40% Local WIC Program staff utilize this information to help increase overall redemption rates. New options can be added to the WIC approved food list when feasible, to help with redemption in categories that have lower utilization percentages.
Participant Redemption Information Performance Management Participant redemption information is also used for Performance Management. Increasing the Whole Grain Redemption rates is one of the statewide targets.
Food List Review Cereal Redemptions- Past 12 months Item Description UPC Code Approved Quantity Shurfine Bran Flakes 17.3oz 15400838184 1 Signature Kitchens Toastes Oats Cereal 21130280193 1 IGA Bite Size Shredded Wheat 16oz 41270045193 1 IGA Corn Flakes 18oz 41270813563 1 Essential Everyday Frosted Shredded Wheat 18oz 41303001646 1 Price Chopper Toasted Rice Crisp Rice Squares 12 41735158420 1 Best Yet Toasted Oats 14oz 42187541556 1 Market Basket Frosted Shredded Wheat 18oz 49705005538 1 Hytop Crispy Rice 12oz 50700552996 1 Maypo Maltex 20oz 64144080304 1 Great Value Toasted Whole Grain Oat 14oz 78742091310 1 General Mills Cheerios 14oz 16000275645 2 Valu Time Frosted Shredded Wheat 28 oz 11225124082 3 Low volume items are routinely removed from the food list and possibly the APL. These items may be discontinued or not frequently purchased.
WIC Approved Food List Printing costs are reduced as the WIC Approved Food Guide is available on the WIC Shopper App. New items can be added in many cases without printing a new food list, since the item is available in the APL for purchase. 18
WIC Approved Food List For significant changes to the WIC approved food list, participants are notified of the updates on the WIC Shopper App. This saves time at local WIC offices and reduces the cost of printed notices.
Retail Store Listing Locate WIC Authorized Vendors The WIC Shopper App has a listing of all WIC authorized vendors. The list can be accessed by zip code or location settings. This list is updated daily. Printing costs for the authorized vendor listing distributed at local WIC offices are reduced. 20
Massachusetts WIC Program With the implementation of ewic, detailed transaction and redemption information is now available in real time. This allows WIC Programs increased opportunities for Vendor Management, Nutrition Education and Program Management.
Mary Blocksidge Vendor Manager Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program 250 Washington Street, 6th floor Boston, MA 02108 Phone (617)624 6112 Email mary.blocksidge@state.ma.us