The following report addresses actions taken by FNA to comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 which directed USDA to establish a Task Force to study measures to streamline the redemption of WIC benefits in a manner that promotes convenience, safety, and equitable access to WIC supplemental foods for participants in the WIC program.
The Further Extending Government Funding Act of 2022 directs USDA to extend through the second quarter of fiscal year 2022 the temporary increase in the WIC Cash-Value Voucher/Benefit for fruit and vegetable purchases. The increased amount applies to all women and children participants and aligns with recommendations by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.
WIC mothers are strongly encouraged to breastfeed their infants unless there is a medical reason not to. All WIC staff are trained to promote breastfeeding and provide the necessary support new breastfeeding mothers and infants need for success.
Under Section 118 of this Continuing Resolution, USDA is directed during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 (Oct. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2021) to temporarily increase the WIC Cash-Value Voucher/Benefit (CVV/B) for fruit and vegetable purchases for women and children participants to an amount recommended by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) and adjusted for inflation.
In FY 2022, FNA is planning to replace The Integrity Profile with the new Food Delivery Portal as the system WIC state agencies use to report vendor management activities. This memorandum provides WIC state agencies information necessary to assess the resource levels needed to successfully transition to reporting required data in FDP and seeks state agency feedback on any anticipated funding needs.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children serves low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. WIC provides participants with nutritious foods to supplement participant diets, nutrition education, and referrals to health and other social services.