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Resource | Waivers Flexibilities to Support Outreach, Innovation, and Modernization in WIC

Through ARPA, USDA received waiver authority to support WIC and FMNP outreach, innovation, and modernization. Waivers are currently available to support WIC online shopping and ARPA funded projects.

10/27/2023
Resource | Policy Memos WIC and FMNP: Available Expedited ARPA Waivers and Request Process

This letter provides information to WIC state agencies and WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program state agencies on available American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 waivers and a new state agency request process.

10/17/2023
Landing Infant Formula

Many families rely on infant formula to feed their babies. Infant formula can provide important nutrients for your baby’s growth and development. Some FNS programs – including CACFP, SNAP, and WIC – provide access to formula to support healthy infant development. USDA is committed to ensuring that FNS program participants always have access to the formula they need.

09/21/2023
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Federal Actions to Support Access to Infant Formula

The USDA, FDA, and other federal partners continue to work diligently to protect the health infants who are fed using infant formula. 

09/21/2023
Resource | Research, Analysis & Background | Assessing/Improving Operations Conducting Remote WIC Certification Appointments During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The physical presence waiver, issued under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, allowed WIC state and local agencies to remotely certify participants into WIC during the COVID-19 pandemic. This report summarizes data collected from surveys of WIC state and local agencies about the use of the physical presence waiver and the impact it had on WIC services.

04/26/2023
Resource | Guidance Documents Additional WIC Flexibilities to Support Outreach, Innovation, and Modernization Efforts through ARPA Nationwide Waivers

This letter provides WIC state agencies the opportunity to opt into waivers to modernize WIC through building or enhancing remote services.

02/02/2023
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 | Technical Assistance & Guidance Letter to WIC State Agencies on Unwinding and Impacts of Infant Formula Shortage

Letter to WIC state agencies on unwinding and impacts of infant formula shortage.

12/19/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Abbott Infant Formula Recall Waiver Expiration Memo

This letter extends the expiration date for certain flexibilities for WIC state agencies following the Abbott Recall and infant formula shortage. 

WPM 2023-1
11/08/2022
Resource | Policy Memos Abbott Infant Formula Recall Waiver Expiration Schedules

This letter extends the expiration date for certain flexibilities for WIC state agencies following the Abbott Recall and infant formula shortage. 

WPM 2022-7
08/23/2022
Page updated: October 14, 2021