Belfast Community Co-op recently became the first co-op in the state of Maine to offer WIC. The co-op submitted a list of Field Day items to the state’s approved product list, of which approximately 30 were accepted, essentially paving the way for other co-ops in the state to have an easier time implementing WIC going forward.
“We wanted to be more involved and serve the community,” Jamie Cermak, Belfast’s marketing manager, said.
Belfast had plans to apply for WIC in 2016, but they didn’t qualify at the time. In 2023, they decided to try again — they reached out to their local WIC office and were able to qualify.
According to Cermak, the reception from customers has been very positive so far.
Belfast Community Co-op has a history of commitment to accessibility and inclusion. One of the bedrocks of this is the CORE (Cooperative Ownership Reaching Everyone) program, which makes “local, organic, and wholesome foods more affordable to qualifying members” in the community. Upon acceptance into the CORE program, co-op owners and prospective owners who qualify receive an extended equity payment schedule and a 10% discount on most products.
In addition to accepting SNAP and WIC, the co-op also supports the Farm Fresh Rewards program, through which SNAP/EBT shoppers receive a 50% point-of-purchase discount on eligible fruits, vegetables, legumes and seedlings.
