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Resource | Fact Sheets WIC During Disasters Factsheet

WIC is not designed to be a disaster assistance program, and is, therefore, not considered a first response option for disaster survivors. WIC policies allow state agencies flexibility in program design and administration to support continuation of benefits to participants during times of natural or other disasters. WIC state agencies are encouraged to work with state and local emergency services offices, as well as FEMA, to assist participants during a disaster.

05/04/2023
Resource | Guidance Documents | FNS-GD-2017-0006 Guide to Coordinating WIC Service During Disasters

This guidance contains information to help WIC state agencies plan for meeting the needs of WIC participants and potential, newly-eligible WIC applicants prior to and during a disaster response. It can also be used to plan for continued WIC operations during emergencies or other situations of distress. The information is designed to assist headquarters and regional office staff, as well as WIC state and local agency staff in their development of an executable WIC disaster plan

01/18/2022
Resource | Fact Sheets FNS-101: Disaster Assistance

FNS plays a vital role in providing supplemental nutrition assistance when disasters occur by coordinating with state, local, and voluntary organizations to: (1) provide food for shelters and other mass feeding sites, (2) distribute food packages directly to households in specific situations, (3) offer flexibility in nutrition assistance programs’ design and administration to continue providing benefits to participants in need, and (4) approve eligible states’ requests to operate a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

03/04/2021
Resource | Technical Assistance Guidance

Below Documents and Page links that provide WIC Guidance.

07/17/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0026 Q&As related to COVID-19: WIC and the Food Distribution Programs

With the recent passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to assist with the novel coronavirus public health emergency,  WIC received an increase in funding for the program as well as increased ability to provide states with the flexibilities they need to support mothers, infants and children that rely on WIC.

03/31/2020
Resource | Fact Sheets Infant Formula and Food Provided to Disaster Survivors

In the event of a Presidential Disaster Declaration, FNS can procure and provide an emergency supply of infant formula and food to supplement a state’s or FEMA's disaster feeding efforts.

10/01/2018
Resource | FAQs/Q&As | FNS-GD-2018-0025 APD - Testing Items FAQs
06/27/2018
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2007-0026 WIC Policy Memorandum #2007-5 WIC Program Response to a Human Pandemic

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance to WIC state agencies in planning, preparing for and responding to the possibility of a human pandemic.

WIC 2007-5
06/05/2007
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2007-0006 State Agency Model Systems Transfers

This policy memorandum outlines the requirements for the revised WIC Advance Planning Document process and provides additional guidance to state agencies that are interested in the transfer of a SAM system.

WIC 2007-2
02/07/2007
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2003-0010 WIC Allowable Costs of Bioterrorism Preparedness

This policy memorandum provides clarification regarding the use of WIC program funds and resources to support bioterrorism preparedness.

Final WIC Policy Memorandum: #2003-04
03/25/2003
Page updated: October 14, 2021