Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

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 | Waivers Follow-up Letter to State Health Commissioners

Follow up to letter dated May 24, 2022 and recent listening sessions with state health commissioners and WIC state agencies.

06/06/2022
Resource | Policy Memos WIC Infant Formula Vendor Exchanges Waiver

This letter is in response to correspondence from WIC state agencies requesting program flexibility from WIC federal requirements as a result of the impact of the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic and the 2022 Abbott recall of certain powder infant formula and exempt infant formula on the nationwide supply chain leading to both periodic location- and product-based WIC infant formula and exempt infant formula shortages.

05/24/2022
Resource | Policy Memos WIC Infant Formula Medical Documentation Waiver

This letter is in response to correspondence from WIC state agencies requesting program flexibility with regard to medical documentation requirements in WIC, as a result of the impact of the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 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.

05/23/2022
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Letter to State Directors Regarding Infant Formula

Letter to reiterate the flexibilities that USDA has made available to all WIC state agencies and to urge all states to take additional action to make it easier for families to get the formula they need.

05/13/2022
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 | 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
Page updated: October 14, 2021