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Resource | Policy Memos Oversight of Infant Formula Purchase Requirements in WIC

FNS is communicating the following guidance to remind WIC state agencies and WIC authorized vendors of our ongoing commitment to ensure the safety of infant formula purchased in the WIC program, and to prevent stolen infant formula from being purchased with WIC benefits.

09/08/2023
Resource | Guidance Documents FDPIR Monthly Distribution Guide Rates By Household Size

FNS Handbook 501, Exhibit O shows the FDPIR monthly distribution guide rates by household size effective Sept. 1, 2023. This document is commonly referred to as the "FDPIR Guide Rate."  

FNS Handbook 501, Exhibit O
08/16/2023
Resource | Policy Memos FDPIR Administrative Match Waiver for Substantial Burden Memorandum

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on submitting an administrative match waiver request for substantial burden [substantial burden waiver]. 

05/22/2023
Resource | Policy Memos WIC Policy Memo #2023-6: Streamlining Certification Documentation Guidance

This policy memorandum provides guidance to improve outreach and streamline certification in WIC. It outlines current flexibilities and new policy for certification documentation options and aims to reduce WIC staff and participant burden.

WPM 2023-6
05/19/2023
Resource | FAQs/Q&As | FNS-GD-2019-0056 WIC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 are eligible. They must meet income guidelines, a state residency requirement, and be individually determined to be at "nutritional risk" by a health professional.

04/04/2023
Resource | Policy Memos WIC Policy Memorandum #2023-3 Unwinding Infant Formula Flexibilities in WIC

On Nov. 8, 2022, FNS published WIC Policy Memorandum #2023-1 Abbott Infant Formula Waiver Expiration Schedule which extended active waivers to Jan. 31, 2023, or 60 days after the end of the Presidentially-declared COVID-19 major disaster declaration in the affected area, whichever is sooner. However, FNS recognizes that WIC state agencies may need additional flexibility to ensure uninterrupted access to infant formula for WIC families even as WIC state agencies transition back to normal operations. The intent of this policy memorandum is to formally describe the timeline for this transition, as previously described in the Dec. 19, 2022 letter to state agencies.

WPM 2023-3
02/01/2023
Resource | Policy Memos WIC Infant Formula MMA Waiver for Food Package III

This letter is in response to correspondence from WIC state agencies requesting flexibility with regard to the maximum monthly allowance (MMA) requirements in WIC as a result of the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Abbott recall of certain powder infant formula on the nationwide supply chain leading to both periodic location and product-based WIC infant formula shortages.

07/27/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Implementation of the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 - PL 117-129

This memorandum sets forth applicable parameters for implementation of the infant formula cost containment contracts and waiver authority legislative provisions, effective immediately. The provisions set forth in this policy memorandum will also be incorporated into the federal WIC regulations through future rulemaking.

WPM 2022-6
06/06/2022
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 | Technical Assistance & Guidance | FNS-GD-2020-0131 USDA Foods Program Disaster Manual

This manual contains important information for persons in FNS headquarters, FNS regional offices, and distributing agencies, which include state distributing agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations that are charged with the responsibility of providing USDA Foods to disaster relief organizations in the event of a disaster, emergency, or situation of distress.

06/03/2021
Page updated: October 14, 2021