WIC Policy Memo #2023-2: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Extending the Temporary Increase in the Cash-Value Voucher/Benefit for Fruit and Vegetable Purchases

On Dec.29, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (PL 117-328, the Act) into law. Division A of the Act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to extend the temporary increase in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Cash-Value Voucher/Benefit (CVV/B) for fruit and vegetable purchases through the end of fiscal year (FY) 2023. The increased amount applies to all women and children participants and aligns with recommendations by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), adjusted for inflation. The Act also provides funding necessary to accommodate this increase in the CVV/B, and this memorandum sets forth applicable parameters for nationwide extension of the CVV/B increase.

This CVV/B increase continues to apply to all women and children participants receiving WIC food packages III, IV, V, VI, and VII, as defined by WIC regulations at 7 CFR 246.10(e). As described in WIC Policy Memorandum #2022-8, WIC regulations at 7 CFR 246.16 require the monthly value of the CVV/B to be issued with inflation-adjusted amounts. As such, through the end of FY 2023, all WIC state agencies must maintain the same increased CVV/B amounts of $25 for child participants, $44 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $49 for fully and partially breastfeeding participants. Consistent with language set forth in the Act, the CVV/B increase does not apply to infant participants, including those receiving food package III.

Since the authority to increase the amount of the CVV/B terminates on Sept. 30, 2023, state agencies may only provide the increased CVV/B to participants as monthly food benefits for October 2022 through September 2023. Although the start date (i.e., the first date of use) of the September food benefits must be in September 2023, the time periods for transacting and redeeming September food benefits may occur after Sept. 30, 2023, in accordance with current state agency policy and procedures. The provision of the temporary CVV/B increase must run through Sept. 30, 2023.

Funding for the CVV/B increase will be included in the appropriated grants allocated to state agencies through the WIC funding formula. State agencies must include all funds and expenditures associated with this increase in the CVV/B on their FY 2023 FNS-798 reports.

State agencies may direct any questions related to this memorandum to their respective FNS Regional Offices.

SARA OLSON
Director
Policy Division
Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs