Policy Memo (147.62 KB)
| DATE: | August 25, 2022 | |
| MEMO CODE: | WIC Policy Memorandum #2022-8 | |
| SUBJECT: | Monthly Cash-Value Voucher/Benefit for Fiscal Year 2023 Fruit and Vegetable Purchases | |
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regional Offices | WIC State Agency Directors All State Agencies |
This memorandum provides state agencies with guidance for issuing the monthly Cash-Value Voucher/Benefit (CVV/B) for fruit and vegetable purchases to participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for fiscal year (FY) 2023. This guidance is contingent upon requirements set forth in the FY 2023 continuing resolution and/or appropriation.
Per the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (PL 117-103), WIC state agencies are required to issue increased CVV/B amounts in FY 2022 as recommended by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, at $24 for child participants, $43 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $47 for fully and partially breastfeeding participants through the end of FY 2022 (Sept. 30, 2022). The Act did not impact CVV/B amounts for infants.
WIC regulations at 7 CFR 246.16 require that the monthly value of the fruit and vegetable CVV/B be adjusted annually for inflation, with the adjustments effective the first day of each FY. The inflation adjustment of the fruit and vegetable voucher must equal the percentage (if any) by which the annual average value of the Consumer Price Index for fresh fruits and vegetables, computed from monthly values published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for the twelve months ending on March 31 of the FY immediately prior to the adjustment year, exceeds the average of the monthly values of that index for the twelve months ending on March 31, 2007. If any increase in the cash value of the voucher determined is not a multiple of $1, such increase must be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $1.
CVV/B Increase for FY 2023
FNS is providing state agencies with the anticipated FY 2023 CVV/B amounts, adjusted for inflation. WIC state agencies must be prepared to provide the FY 2023 CVV/B amounts supported by the FY 2023 continuing resolution and/or appropriation. If there are any changes to the below referenced FY 2023 CVV/B amounts, FNS will notify state agencies.
The CVV/B amounts will increase in FY 2023 to $25 for child participants, $44 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $49 for fully and partially breastfeeding participants.
State agencies may direct any questions related to this memorandum to their respective FNS regional offices.
SARA OLSON
Director
Policy Division
Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs