Alabama's WIC program, a benefit that provides nutritious foods for pregnant women, infants and children, is moving to electronic payments this fall.

The change means WIC recipients will receive a card, similar to a debit card, on which their benefits will be loaded. The card will be known an e-WIC card and replaces the current paper-based delivery system.

The Alabama Department of Public Health is overseeing the change, which is designed to make WIC more secure and easier for retailers.

"Store employees are no longer the "WIC POLICE," ADPH said in a statement. "WIC food items will be identified by the cash register system at the time of purchase. Each WIC approved item will be maintained in the Universal Product Code database, providing stores with a more accurate description of WIC approved items.

"e-WIC will reduce the number of non-approved WIC items being purchased, because non-WIC items will be identified during scanning. Incorrect package size and/or quantity will not be allowed when using the e-WIC card," the agency said.

WIC merchants will have their accounts credited within 48 hours for food benefits redeemed by participants, ADPH said. In addition, retailers will no longer be responsible for applying WIC vendors stamps because claims will be submitted and paid electronically.

WIC recipients will receive a PIN number to use at checkout, eliminating the need for cashiers to verify the signature on the check with the signature on the WIC ID folder, the agency added.

More than 117,000 Alabamians participate in the WIC program, according to USDA data.

The e-WIC cards will be introduced in Montgomery, Elmore and Autauga counties this fall as part of a three-month program. After that, they will be rolled out statewide based on ADPH districts.