The Maine Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) accepts applications from Maine farmers interested in accepting WIC as a form of payment for WIC authorized fruits and vegetables.
In 2020, the Maine WIC Program began issuing electronic benefit transfers (EBT) instead of checks. Our next phase allowed Maine WIC farmers to redeem EBT using a mobile device.
Steps to Become a Maine WIC Authorized Farmer
Maine WIC accepts applications from farmers from Jan 1 to March 31 each year.
- Complete and submit the farmer application by March 31. After your application is received, you will get details about the following steps.
- Attend a New Farmer Training class
- Complete and submit the Farmer Agreement
- Register with WIC EBT Contractor by providing Social Security Number and Bank Name, Routing Number, Account Number
- Have an electronic transaction using the S3MerchantLink App
- Pass an on-site inspection conducted by WIC staff
Before you submit an application, review the Farmer Authorization Criteria (PDF) and S3 Merchant Link Mobile App - Farmers' User Guide (PDF) to ensure you can meet requirements.
Criteria to be an Authorization WIC Farmer
- Grow fruits or vegetables in Maine
- Provide at least 50% Maine grown fruits and vegetables and at least 50% fresh, not processed, produce
- Fruits and vegetables grown by another farmer, must be clearly labeled with the grower and location grown
- The farmer's sales location(s) must:
- Have produce protected from heat, sun, and other weather damage
- Be accessible to people with disabilities
- Have regular business hours when the sales location is attended
- Comply with requirements of the WIC EBT Contractor
- Register with WIC EBT Contractor
- Social Security Number
- Bank Name, Routing Number, Account Number
- A smartphone device with
- Android OS v5.0 or above or
- iPhone IOS v11.0 or later
- with cellular service or WIFI
- Register with WIC EBT Contractor
- Maintain compliance with the WIC Farmer Selection criteria throughout the Agreement period, including any changes to the criteria.
WIC Farmer Training Materials
WIC Farmers are required to train all staff who handle WIC transactions to ensure their knowledge of procedures and requirements.
- Farmer Training Guide (Revised 2/6/2025) (PDF)
- Farmer Food List and Procedure Revised 8/10/2023 (PDF)
- Maine Farmers Wanted (PDF)
S3 Merchant Link
S3 Merchant Link is a smartphone app that enables transaction processing. These resources help provide you with the information you need to successfully use the app.
S3 Merchant Mobile App Redemption Procedures Video
S3 Merchant Mobile App Transaction History Video
Farmer Newsletters
For older newsletters, email [email protected]
Helpful Resources
Contact the WIC Vendor Team:
- phone: (207) 287-3991
- e-mail: [email protected]