Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Resource | Policy Memos WIC Infant Formula Vendor Substitutions Waiver

This letter is in response to correspondence from WIC state agencies using offline Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) technology or paper food instruments, and requesting program flexibility from the WIC program federal requirements as a result of the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Abbott recall of certain powder infant formula, exempt infant formula, and WIC-eligible nutritionals on the nationwide supply chain leading to both periodic location- and product-based WIC infant formula and exempt infant formula shortages.

03/09/2022
Resource | Guidance Documents | FNS-GD-2021-0074 WIC Certification and Eligibility Resource and Best Practices Guide

The WIC Certification and Eligibility Resource and Best Practices Guide  is a compilation of existing regulations and best practices that WIC state and local agencies may choose to use when determining eligibility for the program.  This simple, 10-page document walks WIC personnel through the certification process.

07/20/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0023 WIC and WIC FMNP American Rescue Plan Act - Program Modernization

This Informational memorandum signals USDA FNS’ intent to set forth efforts in support of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Act provides $390 million for FY 2021, to remain available through FY 2024, to carry out outreach, innovation, and program modernization efforts, including appropriate waivers and flexibility, to increase participation and redemption of benefits.

03/18/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0026 Implementation of WIC FMNP Waiver Provisions in the Continuing Appropriations Act 2021

This policy memorandum provides further guidance on the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program programmatic waivers as authorized under the Continuing Appropriations Act 2021 and Other Extensions Act, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

WIC Policy Memo #2021-4
03/11/2021
Resource | Training FDPIR Household Certification Training Course

Welcome to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Household Certification Training course for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. FDPIR is a federal program that provides USDA foods to low-income households living on Indian reservations, in designated areas near reservations, and in the State of Oklahoma. FNS developed the FDPIR Household Certification Training course to help Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) and state agency certification workers and their supervisors successfully administer the program.

02/18/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0006 2021-22 National School Lunch Program USDA Foods Entitlement Calculations

Pursuant to section 2202(a) of the FFCRA, FNS is establishing a nationwide opt-in waiver to help minimize the impact of coronavirus related school closures on USDA Foods entitlement calculations.

01/15/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0187 Implementation of WIC and WIC FMNP Waiver Extension Provisions in the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act

This policy memorandum provides further guidance on the WIC programmatic waivers as authorized under the Continuing Appropriations Act 2021 and Other Extensions Act in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

WIC Policy Memo #2021-1
12/03/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0164 Extension for Certain Approved COVID-19 Waivers

This memorandum formally extends certain active waivers until 30 days after the end of the nationally-declared public health emergency under the Public Health Service Act.

WIC Policy Memorandum #2020-6
09/21/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0101 Extensions for Approved COVID-19 Waivers through September 2020

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides the USDA statutory and regulatory waiver authorities necessary in a public health emergency such as COVID-19 to encourage social distancing and reduce visits to WIC clinics. To date, FNS has approved requests from all WIC state agencies to waive select statutory and regulatory requirements through June 30, 2020.

WIC Policy Memorandum #2020-5
06/29/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0092 2020-21 National School Lunch Program USDA Foods Entitlement Calculations

Pursuant to section 2202(a) of the FFCRA, FNS is establishing a nationwide opt-in waiver to help minimize the impact of coronavirus related school closures on USDA Foods entitlement calculations. 

06/16/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021