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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-2021-0060 Questions and Answers Regarding Child Nutrition Program Oversight, Administration, and Reporting During COVID-19

This memorandum provides clarification on questions related to child nutrition program oversight, monitoring, and administration. 

SP10 CACFP09 SFSP05-2021
04/29/2021
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 | 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-2020-0084 Waiver of 60-Day Reporting Requirements

FNS is granting a nationwide waiver of the 60-day reporting requirements to help minimize potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, Child and Adult Food Care Program and Summer Food Service Program.

COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #12
06/04/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0083 Q&As related to Food Service Management Company Contracts and Allowable Costs during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This memorandum includes questions and answers for state agencies and local program operators on flexibilities available under the child nutrition programs during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

SP21 CACFP12 SFSP12-2020
06/03/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0074 Nationwide Waiver to Allow Meal Pattern Flexibility - Extension 2

FNS is extending a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19). This extension of Nationwide Waiver to Allow Meal Pattern Flexibility in the child nutrition programs, issued March 25, 2020, applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program. This waiver remains in effect until June 30, 2020.

COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #24
05/21/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021