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Resource | Waivers Follow-up Letter to State Health Commissioners

Follow up to letter dated May 24, 2022 and recent listening sessions with state health commissioners and WIC state agencies.

06/06/2022
Resource | Technical Assistance & Guidance Letter to State Directors Regarding Infant Formula

Letter to reiterate the flexibilities that USDA has made available to all WIC state agencies and to urge all states to take additional action to make it easier for families to get the formula they need.

05/13/2022
Resource | Policy Memos WIC Infant Formula Vendor Substitutions Waiver

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.

03/09/2022
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0023 WIC and WIC FMNP American Rescue Plan Act - Program Modernization

This Informational memorandum signals USDA FNS’ intent to set forth efforts in support of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Act provides $390 million for FY 2021, to remain available through FY 2024, to carry out outreach, innovation, and program modernization efforts, including appropriate waivers and flexibility, to increase participation and redemption of benefits.

03/18/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2021-0026 Implementation of WIC FMNP Waiver Provisions in the Continuing Appropriations Act 2021

This policy memorandum provides further guidance on the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program programmatic waivers as authorized under the Continuing Appropriations Act 2021 and Other Extensions Act, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

WIC Policy Memo #2021-4
03/11/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0187 Implementation of WIC and WIC FMNP Waiver Extension Provisions in the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act

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.

WIC Policy Memo #2021-1
12/03/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0164 Extension for Certain Approved COVID-19 Waivers

This memorandum formally extends certain active waivers until 30 days after the end of the nationally-declared public health emergency under the Public Health Service Act.

WIC Policy Memorandum #2020-6
09/21/2020
Resource | Webinars/Videos COVID-19 Guidance for Managing USDA Foods Inventories in SY 2020-2021

This webinar provides guidance on flexibilities available to help you manage USDA Foods in Schools during these unprecedented times due to COVID-19. Topics include information on USDA Foods direct delivered products, USDA Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and the National Processing Program. We cover some actions you can take to assist with utilization of USDA Foods inventories and minimize food loss. This webinar is intended for state distributing agency and FNS regional office staff who manage USDA Foods in Schools programs.

09/11/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0101 Extensions for Approved COVID-19 Waivers through September 2020

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides the USDA statutory and regulatory waiver authorities necessary in a public health emergency such as COVID-19 to encourage social distancing and reduce visits to WIC clinics. To date, FNS has approved requests from all WIC state agencies to waive select statutory and regulatory requirements through June 30, 2020.

WIC Policy Memorandum #2020-5
06/29/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0092 2020-21 National School Lunch Program USDA Foods Entitlement Calculations

Pursuant to section 2202(a) of the FFCRA, FNS is establishing a nationwide opt-in waiver to help minimize the impact of coronavirus related school closures on USDA Foods entitlement calculations. 

06/16/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021