WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an extension that will ensure participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue receiving the food and health care they need during the pandemic.
“USDA has been extremely steadfast in offering flexibilities to ensure Americans in need continue to receive food assistance during COVID-19,” said Secretary Sonny Perdue. “WIC provides vital services to new and expectant mothers, infants, and children and we are committed to making it as easy as possible for them to receive the support they need during the pandemic,” Perdue added.
Without Monday's extension, the services would have expired at the end of the month.
Health professionals who determine low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under five are at nutritional risk are given supplemental foods, nutrition education, health care referrals under WIC.
The WIC waivers being extended allow for:
- Participants to be approved for WIC without being physically present in a local office;
- Remote issuance of benefits to any participant
- Flexibility in food package requirements, including dairy, grains, vegetables, and infant foods; and
- Additional options for pick-up of food packages.