Upshop tech streamlines WIC substitutions

Grocery tech software company Upshop has launched the WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) Smart Substitution Workflow, a tech feature that will complement its e-commerce order-management and fulfillment solution-software to better manage store substitutions for WIC-eligible items.  

Released earlier this month, the new technology enables store employees to more easily provide substitutions for out-of-stock WIC items ordered online. With the new Upshop tech, store employees can only substitute the product with another WIC-approved item.  

“When a WIC-eligible item is unavailable, this automated workflow empowers store associates to select only alternate WIC-eligible items, eliminating the potential for discrepancies and non-compliance in WIC reimbursements,” Upshop said in a statement. 

The company noted that federal funding for WIC reached a record $8 billion in September. “In just the first seven months of 2023, the nubmer of WIC participants exceeded 7 million per month, highlighting the program’s significant impact on the lives of those it serves. WIC now serves nearly 50% of U.S. infants, making it a vital component of the nation’s social safety net,” Upshop noted.  

The tech includes user interface prompts that signal when a WIC-eligible item is added to the basket and the ability to communicate with point of sale to make adjustments or refunds when WIC items are out of stock.  

“We are adding functionality that is absolutely essential to families today. Ensuring consumers can substitute with WIC-eligible items is a win for everyone: the consumer, the in-store retail shopper and the store,” said Steve Paro, Upshop Labs lead, in a statement.