FNS Documents & Resources

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.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (the Act), PL 111-296, was enacted by the President on Dec. 13, 2010. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on the implementation of Section 361 of the Act, Full Use of Federal Funds, in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

The purpose of this Instruction is to establish and convey policy and provide guidance and direction to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and its recipients and customers, and ensure compliance with and enforcement of the prohibition against discrimination in all FNS nutrition programs and activities, whether federally funded in whole or not. 

The Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998  requires CACFP state agencies to distribute WIC benefits and eligibility standards information to child care centers and each family and group day care home.