This information collection is requesting a revision in the burden hours due to program changes resulting from FMNP state agencies transitioning from paper coupon systems to electronic benefit systems, as well as one existing requirement that has been in use without PRA approval.
USDA has legislative authority to grant waivers to WIC and FMNP state agencies. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 grants temporary waiver authority to WIC and WIC FMNP for the purpose of outreach, modernization, and innovation and The Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 grants permanent waiver authority to WIC during certain emergencies and supply chain disruptions. This information collection request covers activities associated with the waiver request process.
This is a new information collection for WIC and WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program which contains the reporting burden associated with requesting waivers authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the American Baby Formula Act of 2022.
The purpose of this new collection is to collect qualitative and quantitative stakeholder feedback through meetings, focus groups, interviews, other stakeholder interactions and surveys, as well as requests for administrative data, as part of the planning process for FNS regulatory actions, the semi-annual regulatory agenda, research studies, outreach, training and the development of guidance.
This Notice announces that the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service plans to add WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Benefit Delivery Modernization (FMNP BDM) Grants, as authorized under Section 1106 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) (PL 117-2), to its list of approved programs under the Uniform Grant Application for Non-Entitlement Discretionary Grants, as approved under OMB Control Number: 0584-0512 (Expiration Date: July 31, 2022); and that FNS intends to collect additional information for FMNP BDM Grants outside of what is currently in the uniform package.
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection.
This notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is an Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.
This final rule implements three FMNP-related nondiscretionary provisions mandated in the William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998. The three provisions pertain to the use of program income as a state matching fund source, elimination of specific state plan ranking criteria used to determine funding preferences, and use of expansion funds to increase the value of benefits to recipients.