Policy Memo (29.06 KB)
| DATE: | June 10, 2013 | |
| POLICY MEMO: | WIC Policy Memorandum #2013-4 | |
| SUBJECT: | OIG Hotline Information on WIC Food Instruments | |
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions | WIC State Agency Directors All States |
Maintaining a high degree of integrity is paramount to the success of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). As part of our continued efforts to further enhance integrity in the WIC program and pursuant to the Senate Explanatory Statement regarding the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act 2013, PL 113-6, we are encouraging all WIC state agencies to add the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General hotline and website to all WIC food instruments (WIC checks, vouchers and electronic benefit transfer cards) or their accompanying folders or sleeves. This will allow participants to report incidents of suspected fraud, waste and abuse more easily.
The following is suggested language for your use:
“Buying, selling or otherwise misusing WIC benefits is a crime. To report suspected abuse, call 800-424-9121 or visit https://www.usda.gov/oig/hotline.”
or
“To report fraud, call 800-424-9121 or visit https://www.usda.gov/oig/hotline.”
Thank you for your cooperation and attention to this important matter.
DEBRA R. WHITFORD
Director
Supplemental Food Programs Division