States must request approval from FNS to temporarily waive the in-person requirements for WIC enrollment, reenrollment and picking up WIC benefits. Visit our website for more information on approved waivers for food package substitutions: Q: What is USDA doing to promote social distancing in WIC?Ī: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, allows USDA to minimize face-to-face interaction in WIC by reducing required visits to the clinic through a variety of waivers provided to state agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs). USDA has been approving state requests as quickly as possible to allow for additional substitution options if certain WIC-prescribed foods are unavailable. Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, states can request additional food package flexibility from USDA. However, states have the flexibility to modify their WIC-approved foods lists at any time to include any foods that meet federal standards. As a result, WIC purchases must be of foods approved by their state. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, is designed to supplement the diets of participants to address certain nutritional needs. To stay on top of potential scams, please visit USDA’s SNAP scam alert webpage at Return to top Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Q: What happens if grocery stores are out of the specific food items WIC participants are allowed to purchase due to the COVID-19 situation? If you are unsure if a request for information is legitimate, contact your local SNAP office. Q: How can I protect myself from SNAP fraud during the pandemic?Ī: FNS is aware of some scams trying to take advantage of the current emergency to obtain confidential information from SNAP recipients, including social security numbers, bank information, or a participant’s SNAP EBT card number. Therefore, the three month time limit for receiving benefits while not working does not apply, and these individuals can continue to receive SNAP benefits. To learn more about the pilot, including participating states and retailers, visit: Q: What happens to SNAP recipients who can’t meet the work requirements due to the coronavirus outbreak?Ī: Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, USDA has suspended the work requirements (PDF, 359 KB) for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) throughout the national emergency. Q: Can SNAP participants order groceries online?Ī: The SNAP online pilot is operational in almost every state, with more being added as plans from interested states are approved. FNS continues to promote its SNAP Online Purchasing pilot that allow SNAP shoppers to buy their groceries online and is bringing new stores into the program. USDA has also offered states an optional 45-day extension on certain quality control case reviews. Q: What is USDA doing to promote social distancing in SNAP?Ī: FNS has allowed SNAP flexibilities to reduce the need for face-to-face contact.įor example, USDA is allowing states to conduct SNAP quality control interviews by telephone instead of in person. To learn more or to apply for benefits, contact your state agency. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has done since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic to keep people fed, visit: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Q: If my financial situation has changed due to the coronavirus, could I be eligible for SNAP?Ī: For information about SNAP eligibility, visit our SNAP Eligibility website. Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)įor the latest on what the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
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