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.
This memorandum provides information to assist WIC state agencies in ensuring WIC supplemental foods on the state approved product list meet the minimum federal nutrition requirements and specifications.
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.
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.
Pursuant to section 2202(a) of the FFCRA, FNS is establishing a nationwide opt-in waiver to help minimize the impact of coronavirus related school closures on USDA Foods entitlement calculations.
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.
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.
With the recent passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to assist with the novel coronavirus public health emergency, WIC received an increase in funding for the program as well as increased ability to provide states with the flexibilities they need to support mothers, infants and children that rely on WIC.