This policy memorandum contains guidance to WIC state agencies regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act that provides rebates to many low- and middle-income households, as well as additional unemployment benefits. FNS has received a number of questions regarding how WIC state agencies should consider payments to individuals authorized under the Act when conducting a WIC income determination.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides 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 May 31, 2020. USDA FNS is extending waiver approvals through June 30, 2020 for all WIC state agencies that choose to continue operations under their approved waivers.
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.
This waiver delays the transition from National School Lunch Seamless Summer Option and Summer Food Service Program operations during unanticipated school closures associated with the Coronavirus pandemic to traditional SSO and SFSP operations through June 30, 2020.
This memorandum is providing reporting instructions for the remarks section of the FNS-10, FNS-44, and FNS-418. This collection will capture information on COVID related operations in response to the requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and instructs state agencies to report the number of sites operating during the COVID-19 pandemic by applicable child nutrition program.
FNS has received multiple requests from state agencies for various QC related flexibilities in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Extensive certification policy waivers have already made normal QC procedures difficult to apply, and FNS has determined that temporarily waiving the QC review is appropriate.
Questions and Answers for SNAP state agencies related to the reporting of Pandemic EBT and SNAP Emergency Allotments
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.
FNS is permitting all interested state agencies to extend certification periods and accordingly adjust periodic report submission dates for ongoing SNAP households who are due for recertification or periodic reporting through June 30, 2020.
FNS is granting a nationwide waiver to help minimize potential exposure to COVID-19 for state agencies administering Child and Adult Care Food Program.