FNS collects information from state and local agencies, applicants, and retail vendors to determine eligibility in the WIC program. This ongoing information collection is mandatory for state agencies and required to obtain or retain benefits for the WIC participants.
The information collection includes an explanation to participants about the food package changes, identification of foods acceptable for use in the program for each state agency and vendor application and agreement information. The foods provided in the WIC food package are critical to the integrity of the program and its mission to provide the nutrition needed during periods of rapid growth and development among infants, children, and pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals.
The vendor application and agreement information are necessary to ensure that vendors comply with the updated stocking requirements in the rule so that participants have access to a greater variety of vegetables. The information is also used by FNS to manage, plan, evaluate, make decisions, and report on WIC program operations. If the information were not collected, the efficiency and effectiveness of the program would be jeopardized, improper use of federal funds would increase, and FNS' ability to detect violations would diminish greatly.
Comments
Comments regarding this information collection received by Aug. 26, 2024 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain .