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 includes questions and answers on flexibilities available to Indian Tribal Organizations and state agencies on the operations of FDPIR. These flexibilities may assist ITOs and state agencies that administer FDPIR in continuing to provide food to people in need during the novel COVID-19 public health emergency.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program state agencies, including participating Indian Tribal Organizations and U.S. Territories, the opportunity to request a waiver of WIC regulatory requirements.
Consistent with the CARES Act, USDA will be allocating the $50 million for facility improvements and equipment upgrades to Indian Tribal Organizations and state agencies that administer FDPIR for program costs allowable under the law.
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.