WPM 2022-3 (166.81 KB)
| DATE: | March 18, 2022 | |
| MEMO CODE: | WIC Policy Memorandum #2022-3 | |
| SUBJECT: | Implementation of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 (PL 117-103), Extending the Temporary Increase in the Cash-Value Voucher/Benefit for Fruit and Vegetable Purchases | |
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions |
WIC State Agency Directors All State Agencies |
On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2022 (PL 117-103) into law. Section 787 of the Act directs USDA to extend the temporary increase in the WIC Cash-Value Voucher/Benefit (CVV/B) for fruit and vegetable purchases through the end of fiscal year (FY) 2022. The increased amount applies to all women and children participants and aligns with recommendations by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), adjusted for inflation. The temporary CVV/B increase has been in effect since Oct. 1, 2021 and was previously set to expire (see WIC Policy Memoranda #2022-1 and #2022-2) at the end of the second quarter of FY 2022 (on March 31, 2022). The Act also provides funding necessary to accommodate this extended increase in the CVV/B. This memorandum sets forth applicable parameters for nationwide extension of the CVV/B increase.
Under the Act, the temporary CVV/B increase continues to apply to all women and children participants, via WIC food packages III, IV, V, VI, and VII, as defined by WIC regulations at 7 CFR 246.10(e). Through the end of FY 2022, all WIC state agencies must maintain the same increased CVV/B amounts of $24 for child participants, $43 for pregnant and postpartum women participants, and $47 for fully and partially breastfeeding women participants; these amounts reflect the recommendations made by NASEM, adjusted for inflation. The CVV/B increase does not apply to infant participants receiving food package III.
Since the authority to increase the amount of the CVV/B terminates on Sept. 30, 2022, State agencies may only provide the increased CVV/B to participants as monthly food benefits for October 2021 through September 2022. Although the Start Date (i.e., the First Date of Use) of the September food benefits must be in September 2022, the time periods for transacting and redeeming September food benefits may occur after Sept. 30, 2022, in accordance with current state agency policy and procedures. The provision of the temporary CVV/B increase must run through Sept. 30, 2022.
Funding for the CVV/B increase will be included in the appropriated grants allocated to state agencies through the WIC funding formula. State agencies must include all funds and expenditures associated with the temporary increase in the CVV/B on their FY 2022 FNS-798 reports.
State agencies may direct any questions related to this memorandum to their respective FNS regional offices.
SARA OLSON
Acting Director
Supplemental Food Programs Division