The interim rule and this final rule implement three legislative requirements that affect the application and certification process for the WIC program.
The Food Plans represent a nutritious diet at four different cost levels. The nutritional bases of the Food Plans are the 1997-2005 Dietary Reference Intakes, 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and 2005 MyPyramid food intake recommendations. In addition to cost, differences among plans are in specific foods and quantities of foods. Another basis of the Food Plans is that all meals and snacks are prepared at home. For specific foods and quantities of foods in the Food Plans, see Thrifty Food Plan, 2006 (2007) and The Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost, and Liberal Food Plans, 2007 (2007). All four Food Plans are based on 2001-02 data and updated to current dollars by using the Consumer Price Index for specific food items.
Included in the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 is a provision requiring the Department of Defense to pay certain service members and their families a Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance so they will not have to rely on food stamps to make ends meet.