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.
This memorandum provides information about the availability of administrative flexibilities available to SFMNP state agencies under current regulations. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act did not provide additional flexibilities to SFMNP state agencies. Consequently, state agencies may only implement flexibilities permitted under current SFMNP regulations.