Since 1992, FNS has produced biennial reports on WIC participant and program characteristics based on the WIC Minimum Data Set compiled from state management information systems. The 20 items included in the MDS are collected as part of ongoing WIC operations and consist primarily of in formation related to participant eligibility.
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update on the Department of Defense actions to implement a program like WIC overseas, the impact it has on the WIC program, and the actions required by WIC state agencies.
This report (1) identifies the number and nature of recent studies that have examined the effectiveness of three WIC services—nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referral services—and (2) summarizes what the research shows about the effectiveness of these specific nutrition services.
GAO Report to Congressional Committees on Food Assistance: Performance Measures for Assessing Three WIC Services
Since the publication of the “WIC Bloodwork Requirements” final rule in December 1999, several questions have arisen that require clarification. Therefore, the purpose of this policy memorandum is to clarify these questions as well as provide an update on the status of all policy memoranda previously issued that address bloodwork requirements.
This final rule amends the WIC program regulations to incorporate two nondiscretionary funding provisions mandated by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000.
This final policy memorandum provides clarification on several questions raised during the state plan guidance sessions at the NAFMNP meeting in October 2000.
The provisions in this interim rule include elimination of the following provisions: required provision of written information on certain other assistance programs; state agency timeframes for action on local agency applications for participation in the WIC program; annual evaluation of nutrition education and breastfeeding promotion efforts; and annual submission of a state plan.
The WIC program provides a combination of direct nutritional supplementation, nutrition education and counseling, and increased access to health care and social service providers for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women; infants; and children up to the age of five years. WIC seeks to improve fetal development and reduce the incidence of low birthweight, short gestation, and anemia through intervention during the prenatal period. Infants and children who are at nutritional or health risk receive food supplements, nutrition education, and access to health care services to maintain and improve their health and development.
GAO Report to Congressional Committees on Food Assistance: Financial Information on WIC Nutrition Services and Administrative Costs