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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-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
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 | 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-2020-0068 Treatment of Funds Received Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

This policy memorandum contains guidance to WIC state agencies regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act that provides rebates to many low- and middle-income households, as well as additional unemployment benefits. FNS has received a number of questions regarding how WIC state agencies should consider payments to individuals authorized under the Act when conducting a WIC income determination.

WIC Policy Memo #2020-3
05/18/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0066 Extensions for USDA FNS-Approved COVID-19 Waivers through June 30, 2020

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides 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 May 31, 2020. USDA FNS is extending waiver approvals through June 30, 2020 for all WIC state agencies that choose to continue operations under their approved waivers.

WIC Policy Memo #2020-2
05/15/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021