FNS Documents & Resources

This memo transmits updates to the maximum size of WIC civil monetary penalties to reflect inflationary adjustments for 2022, as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Improvements Act of 2015. 

This policy memorandum transmits the Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) inflation adjustment for 2021 for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The adjustment was published in the Federal Register as part of the Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments for 2021 Final Rule published on May 10, 2021, at 86 FR 24699. 

Any firm may request administrative and judicial review, if it is aggrieved by any of the actions described in SNAP regulations. The Administrative Review Branch ensures that FNS follows the provisions of the Food and Nutrition Act, SNAP regulations, and agency retailer policy, and that the agency's administrative actions are equitable and consistent.

WIC Policy Memorandum: #2021-2: WIC Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) Inflation Adjustment for 2020

This memorandum clarifies FNS regulations and policies regarding the allowability of requiring payment and soliciting contributions (i.e., "payments" or "pay") in exchange for foods from FNS program participants.

Per CSFP regulations, participants are prohibited from receiving CSFP benefits and WIC benefits at the same time. However, there is no prohibition against simultaneous participation in CSFP and other FNS programs including but not limited to SNAP, TEFAP, and the SFMNP, provided the eligibility requirements for these programs are met.

The purpose of this policy memorandum is to clarify the responsibilities of the state administering agency and the state distributing agency with respect to ensuring compliance with requirements for donated foods in the National School Lunch Program, the Summer Food Service Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

The purpose of this policy memorandum is to highlight and strengthen national program policy regarding integrity in the WIC certification process through existing regulatory requirements as well as through new legislative requirements mandated by PL 105-336.