Appendix M - WIC FMMP SFMNP Guidance Package

Appendix M
WIC FMNP and SFMNP FY 2022 Guidance Package

USDA

iiillll
Food and
Nutrition
Service
1320
Braddock
Place
Alexandria,
VA 22314

United States Department of Agriculture

December 7, 2021 (Updated December 21, 2022)
SUBJECT:

WIC FMNP and SFMNP FY 2022 Guidance Package

TO:

Regional Directors
Special Nutrition Programs
All Regions
SFMNP State Agency Directors
All SFMNP State Agencies
FMNP State Agency Directors
All FMNP State Agencies

WIC FMNP and SFMNP State Agency Directors:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recognizes that the
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers’
Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
play a critical role in our Nation’s nutrition assistance safety net by providing participants the
ability to purchase fresh, unprepared, locally-grown fruits and vegetables from local farmers and
farmers’ markets. In addition, these Programs are invaluable in expanding the awareness, use of,
and sales at farmers’ markets in order to support local markets and domestic agriculture. We are
committed to supporting the continuation and success of these important Programs.
FNS also recognizes that the majority of WIC FMNP and SFMNP State agencies contract with
technology services or banking entities to print, process, and show redemption for the Programs’
paper-based coupons. Many State agencies have reported that their contracts with these service
providers will no longer be renewed and, without alternatives to these services, they will be
unable to continue Program operations. In light of these challenges, many State agencies must
consider adopting new Program models to continue services this fiscal year and beyond. This
document sets forth the process for WIC FMNP and SFMNP State agencies to pursue such
operational changes to their Programs, and to seek Program flexibilities, as applicable.
Each WIC FMNP and SFMNP State agency seeking to make changes to Program operations
must submit a State Plan amendment to their respective FNS Regional Office for approval
pursuant to 7 CFR 248.4(b) and 249.4(b), respectively. Appendix B and Appendix C detail
specific State Plan amendment submission instructions.
Further, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA, P.L. 117-2) provides FNS with regulatory and
statutory waiver authority to support flexibility and innovation in WIC FMNP. ARPA did not
provide waiver authority for SFMNP. Thus, at this time, FNS can offer only WIC FMNP State
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Regional Directors and WIC FMNP and SFMNP State Agency Directors
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agencies the opportunity to request waivers in order to test new and innovative models of
operation.
The appendices referenced below provide resources that State agencies may use when
considering next steps and set forth instructions for submitting State Plan amendments that
involve operational changes. State agency operational changes could include electronic solution
(e-solution) proposals and/or WIC FMNP waiver requests. WIC FMNP and SFMNP State
agencies are encouraged to consider both existing Program models that do not require the use of
technology services or banking entities (e.g., in-house processing) and Program modernization
opportunities (e.g., e-solutions).
Appendix A: State Agency Coupon Processing Resource List
This document provides a list of available coupon processing and e-solution resources
based on input from the U.S. Digital Service, State agencies, Program stakeholders, and
landscape research. WIC FMNP and SFMNP State agencies in need of a new system for
operating their Programs are encouraged to review this document when considering
potential paths forward.
Appendix B: State Plan Amendment Submission Instructions for Operational
Changes
This document sets forth instructions for submitting a State Plan amendment, which is
required for all WIC FMNP and SFMNP State agencies wishing to pursue an alternative
to their current model of operation. Submissions that propose implementing a new esolution must include all minimum required elements, as described in Appendix B.
Appendix C: For WIC FMNP State Agencies Only - State Plan Amendment
Submission Instructions for ARPA Waiver Requests
This document sets forth instructions for WIC FMNP State agencies wishing to request a
statutory or regulatory waiver under ARPA authority. WIC FMNP State agencies
submitting e-solution proposals in conjunction with ARPA waiver requests must also
provide the information requested in Appendix B.
FNS will provide written approval or denial of a complete State Plan amendment submission
within 30 days of receipt, consistent with 7 CFR 248.4(a) and 249.4(a), as applicable. FNS
reserves the right to request additional information if a submission is deemed incomplete, and as
needed to ensure consistency with statutory authority and Program regulations.
FNS stands ready to help evaluate and support State agencies’ pursuit and implementation of the
solutions they determine best meet their immediate and long-term needs to continue operations.
State agencies should refer questions to the appropriate FNS Regional Office.

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Regional Directors and WIC FMNP and SFMNP State Agency Directors
Page 3

Sara Olson
Director
Policy Division

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Contents

Appendix A: State Agency Coupon Processing Resource List....................................................... 5
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 5
Existing, Alternative Models for Coupon Processing ................................................................. 5
E-Solutions Identified by USDS.................................................................................................. 6
Appendix B: State Plan Amendment Submission Instructions for Operational Changes............... 7
State Plan Amendment Instructions for Existing Paper-Based or Alternative Coupon
Processing Models....................................................................................................................... 7
State Plan Amendment Submission Instructions for E-Solution Proposals ................................ 7
1) Required Minimum Elements for an E-Solution Proposal .................................................. 8
2) Required Plan to Meet Specific Statutory and Regulatory Provisions ................................ 8
3) Technical and Operational Considerations (Optional) ...................................................... 10
Appendix C: For WIC FMNP State Agencies Only - State Plan Amendment Submission
Instructions for ARPA Waiver Requests ...................................................................................... 11

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Appendix A: State Agency Coupon Processing Resource List
Updated December 21, 2022

Introduction
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is committed to
ensuring that both WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior Farmers’
Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) State agencies are able to continue Program operations next
season and beyond in the absence of a contract with technology services or a banking entity.
This is a list of available coupon processing and e-solution resources identified through the U.S.
Digital Service (USDS), State agencies, Program stakeholders, and landscape research. The
following is not an exhaustive list of solutions available, and State agencies are encouraged to
contact FNS with additional solutions to be explored and potentially included as a future
addendum.
FNS does not endorse any specific solution, and the list is not intended to be all-inclusive.
Regardless of the Program models pursued, WIC FMNP and SFMNP State agencies must follow
applicable State procurement requirements, consistent with 2 CFR Part 200, and State Plan
amendment submission guidance, consistent with Appendix B and Appendix C.
FNS Regional Offices and USDS are available to support State agencies that choose to pursue a
new operational model, whether an e-solution or an existing Program model that does not require
the use of technology services or banking entities, such as in-house processing. For general and
regulatory guidance, State agencies should contact their respective Regional Office.

Existing, Alternative Models for Coupon Processing
WIC FMNP and SFMNP State agencies in need of a new model for coupon processing may
choose to pursue an existing, alternative Program model, such as in-house paper-based coupon
processing, bulk purchasing, or community supported agriculture (CSA).
FNS understands that some WIC FMNP State agencies may be interested in adopting alternative
coupon processing models in order to continue operations in the short term, while allowing for
additional time to develop longer-term solutions; however, some may currently be unable due to
regulatory or statutory barriers. As a reminder, WIC FMNP State agencies may request waivers
under the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2, ARPA) (see Appendix C for ARPA waiver
request instructions).
State agencies interested in participating in a future presentation to their colleagues on an
existing, alternative model of coupon processing not listed here should contact their respective
Regional Office. FNS will send announcements for upcoming State agency-led presentations via
PartnerWeb. FNS will also post slides from State agencies’ past and future presentations on
alternative models of coupon processing to PartnerWeb at “FMNP State Agency Led
Webinars” and “SFMNP State Agency Led Webinars.”
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E-Solutions Identified by USDS

FNS has partnered with USDS to identify and review the following e-solutions, all of which are
ready for review by State agencies, including U.S. Territories and Indian Tribal Organizations.
As a reminder, WIC FMNP and SFMNP State agencies that choose to pursue an e-solution must
follow the State Plan amendment instructions in Appendix B of this document.
State agencies that would like assistance with the technical review process of an e-solution prior
to submitting a formal State Plan amendment to FNS should contact their Regional Offices,
which will facilitate support from USDS.
Central Bank eFMNP System
Central Bank’s eFMNP system pairs a web-based administrative portal with a mobile application
to provide electronic benefits to WIC FMNP and SFMNP programs. This system provides a single
system for State agencies to use to administer their benefits, allow farmers to conduct transactions
and multiple options for participants to redeem their benefits. Participants can choose from
mobile, printable QR code or card-based benefits. The solution provides next day processing of all
farmer deposits, custom administrative reporting and a dedicated staff for all customer support
services. There is no direct cost to farmers. The system operates independently of any
management information system (MIS) and is capable of linking to an MIS.
Contact & Materials: Kari Less, [email protected]
FarmMarket Direct
FarmMarket Direct is a CDP, Inc.-built, browser-based, mobile friendly WIC cash value
voucher/benefit (CVV/B) e-solution with concurrent projects being implemented to extend to
WIC FMNP and SFMNP. The solution can be extended to work with any State agency that
chooses to contract with CDP, Inc. Transactions utilize both traditional reconciliation processes
and banking systems. An offline option for participants includes a physical card with a quick
response (QR) code. Farmers conduct transactions via mobile device and browser and there is
no direct cost to farmers. The system operates independently of any management information
system (MIS) and is capable of linking to an MIS.
Contact & Materials: Scott Pralle, [email protected]
MarketLink
Set forth by the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP),
MarketLink utilizes a pair of mobile apps that transmit and accept multiple tender types of
Federal Program payments, plus debit and credit cards, with the goal of maximizing participant
payment flexibility and payment to farmers. SNAP, WIC CVV/B, WIC FMNP, SFMNP are all
accepted and transacted utilizing both traditional reconciliation processes and banking systems.
There is a printable QR code offline option for participants. Farmers conduct transactions via
mobile app and pay an annual subscription. The system operates independently of any MIS and
is capable of linking to an MIS.
Contact & Materials: Phil Blalock, [email protected]
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TPS S/FMNP Platform
The Transaction Processing Services (TPS) S/FMNP Platform, provided by RP Solutions, is a
hybrid solution utilizing an optional mobile app for Farmers and QR encoded paper coupons for
participants. Farmers are provided three redemption options including real-time market scanning
via the TPS Mobile App, post-market scanning via the TPS Mobile App or Desktop Scanner, or
redemption via mail. The mail option provides an offline option for Farmers. TPS provides a
closed eco-system dispersing funds directly to the farmers via ACH or check. There is no direct
cost to farmers. The system operates independently of any management information system (MIS)
and is capable of linking to an MIS.
Contact & Materials: Cindy McCall, [email protected]
SoliMarket
SoliMarket Shopper and Register is a SoliSYSTEMS-built pair of participant and farmer mobile
apps performing WIC FMNP, SFMNP, and other Program transactions and in the future,
extendable to other Federal Programs. It replaces manual reconciliation with an automated live,
reportable ledger while housing and transacting funds within the traditional banking system. An
option for participants includes a physical card with a QR code while farmers conduct
transactions via mobile app/participant personal identification number (PIN). There is no direct
cost to farmers. The system operates independently of any MIS and is capable of linking to an
MIS.
Contact & Materials: Roque Solis, [email protected]

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Appendix B: State Plan Amendment Submission Instructions for
Operational Changes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is committed to
reviewing State Plan amendments expeditiously to support WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition
Program (FMNP) and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) modernization and
innovation.

State Plan Amendment Instructions for Existing Paper-Based or Alternative Coupon
Processing Models
State agencies pursuing operational changes that use existing paper-based or alternative coupon
processing models (e.g., in-house processing, bulk purchasing) should work with their Regional
Office to follow the usual State Plan amendment process.
FNS understands some WIC FMNP State agencies may be interested in adopting alternative
coupon processing models in order to continue operations in the short term, while allowing for
additional time to develop longer-term solutions; however, some may currently be unable due to
regulatory or statutory barriers. As a reminder, WIC FMNP State agencies may request waivers
under the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2, ARPA) (see Appendix C for ARPA waiver
request instructions).

State Plan Amendment Submission Instructions for E-Solution Proposals
For State agencies proposing to implement a new electronic solution, or e-solution, State Plan
amendments must be submitted as an appendix or attachment to the State Plan and entitled
“[State agency name] State Plan Amendment: E-Solution Proposal.” If applicable, State
agencies should reference the following in the appendix/attachment: the section, page number,
and question number of amended State Plan information. However, given the novel nature of esolutions for these Programs, FNS understands that the State Plan Guidance in its current form
may not capture all the information required in order to submit an e-solution proposal. The
submitted State Plan amendment attachment/appendix will initially serve as the State agency’s esolution project plan, but will be subject to review as a part of the State Plan approval process
moving forward.
This document sets forth:
1) Required Minimum Elements for an E-Solution Proposal,
2) Required Plan to Meet Specific Regulatory Provisions, and
3) Technical and Operational Considerations (Optional).
Responses to the items below can be brief or extensive depending on the novelty or complexity
of the e-solution being proposed. FNS recognizes that depending on the State agency’s current
project phase (e.g., planning, implementation), there may be limited information to share on
certain aspects of the items below.
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1) Required Minimum Elements for an E-Solution Proposal
When submitting a State Plan amendment to propose implementing a new e-solution, at a
minimum, a State agency is required to include the following information:
• Summary of project, including the model being tested or implemented, transaction
processing strategy, and benefit redemption/settlement strategy;
• Anticipated timeline, including start date, completion date, and milestones;
• Proposed line-item budget and funding sources for both implementation and
operations phases. For WIC FMNP only, please indicate if ARPA funding is necessary;*
and
• Brief description of how the State agency intends to meet State-specific procurement
requirements, consistent with 2 CFR Part 200, as applicable.
*Approval of proposals does not guarantee receipt of ARPA funding. FNS will communicate
WIC FMNP ARPA-related funding details at a later date.
2) Required Plan to Meet Specific Statutory and Regulatory Provisions
When submitting a State Plan amendment that proposes implementation of a new e-solution, the
State agency must include a description of how it plans to meet the statutory and regulatory
provisions listed in the table below, as applicable.
Statutory and
Regulatory
Provisions
Coupon/Financial
Instrument
Requirements

Valid Dates

Statutory and
Regulatory
Citations for
WIC FMNP in 7
CFR Part 248
248.10(f)(3),
248.10(h)(3)

Statutory and
Regulatory
Citations for
SFMNP in 7
CFR Part 249
249.10(f)(3),
249.10(h)(3),
249.4(a)(10)

Prompting Question(s)

248.10(h)

249.10(h)

How will benefit begin and end
dates be managed?

How will the e-solution be able
to meet the minimum
requirements for
coupons/financial instruments?
How will the State agency
design and implement a system
of review of transactions to
detect errors?

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Statutory and
Regulatory
Provisions

Statutory and
Regulatory
Citations for
WIC FMNP in 7
CFR Part 248
248.10(h)
corresponding to
Section
17(m)(5)(E) of the
Child Nutrition
Act of 1966 (P.L.
111–296, CNA),
as amended
248.24(c)

Statutory and
Regulatory
Citations for
SFMNP in 7
CFR Part 249
249.10(h)

Prompting Question(s)

249.24

How will the State agency
safeguard applicant and
participant
information/records?

Eligible Foods

248.8(a)
corresponding to
Section 17(m)(1)
and Section
17(m)(5)(E)(ii) of
the CNA, as
amended

249.8(a)
corresponding to
Section
4402(b)(1) of the
Farm Security and
Rural Investment
Act (P.L. 107–
171), as amended

How will the State agency
ensure only eligible foods are
purchased?

Program Costs

248.12(a)(1)(i)
corresponding to
Section
17(m)(5)(F)(i) of
the CNA, as
amended

249.12(a)(1)(i)

How will the State meet cost
requirements? Of note, a State
agency may use up to 17
percent of its total Federal WIC
FMNP grant and 10 percent of
its total Federal SFMNP grant
to cover administrative costs.
Any costs incurred for food
and/or administration above the
Federal grant level would be
the State agency's
responsibility.

Settlement and
Reconciliation

Participant
Confidentiality
and Data
Safeguarding

How will the State agency
reconcile a participant’s benefit
redemption with a specific
farmer or farmers’ market as
required by S/FMNP
regulation?

WIC FMNP State agencies that have requested a waiver of any regulatory or statutory provisions
through the authority granted under ARPA, whether those provisions are listed in the table above
or not, must reference this waiver in their e-solution proposal. As a reminder, ARPA waiver
authority only applies to WIC FMNP, not SFMNP. Please refer to Appendix C for details on
ARPA waiver requests. On a case-by-case basis, FNS may consider waiver requests in advance
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of an e-solution proposal if the waiver(s) would facilitate further development of such proposal.
In such cases, the State agency must indicate its intent to submit an e-solution proposal at a later
date with its waiver request.
3) Technical and Operational Considerations (Optional)
The approval or denial of new e-solution proposals is not contingent upon the information
provided for the items below. However, State agencies should keep the following in mind when
pursuing WIC FMNP and SFMNP e-solutions and are strongly encouraged to include
descriptions of how they plan to address these considerations in their proposals. Providing
information related to these items will likely enable FNS to provide appropriate technical
assistance for State agencies. FNS recommends, but does not require, the State agency include
reference to the following items in their State Plan amendment submission:
• Defined roles and partnerships;
• Potential for scalability and adoption by other State agencies and related Programs;
• Communications plan;
• Training plan for authorized outlets and participants;
• Procedures to ensure that participants are made aware of the purchase price of the food
items and transaction total before the transaction is completed;
• Procedures to ensure that participants and vendors have the opportunity to cancel or void
transactions;
• Relevant interfaces and testing strategies;
• Issues related to internet/connectivity; and
• Description of security measures for handling Program funds.

The requirements and activities, and their associated burden, outlined here are to be included
under OMB Control Number 0584-0447, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Program
Regulations - Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden, which expires on 8/31/24, and under OMB
Control Number 0584-0541, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Program
Regulations – Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden, which expires on 12/31/2022.
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Appendix C: For WIC FMNP State Agencies Only - State Plan
Amendment Submission Instructions for ARPA Waiver Requests
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is supporting flexibility
and innovation through the waiver authority granted under the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L.
117-2, ARPA). As a result, FNS is offering WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
State agencies the opportunity to request appropriate regulatory and statutory waivers in order to
test new and innovative models of operation. The waiver authority under ARPA applies only to
WIC FMNP and does not give FNS the authority to approve waivers for SFMNP.
Effective immediately, FNS will consider new WIC FMNP waiver requests under ARPA. In
order to be considered, State agencies must submit a formal written request that includes the
following information:
•
•
•
•

•

Brief summary of project, including the type of innovation or modernization being
implemented or tested;
A statement which reads as follows: “Consistent with American Rescue Plan Act (P.L.
117-2), this project is intended to carry out an innovation and/or Program modernization
effort(s), to increase participation in and redemption of benefits in the Program.”;
Anticipated Start Date (Month/Year) and Completion Date (Month/Year);
The specific regulatory and/or statutory provision(s) requested to be waived. List each
provision separately. For each regulatory and/or statutory provision requested to be
waived, the State agency must provide:
o The rationale for the requested waiver, identifying why the regulatory/statutory
requirement cannot be met within the project and the specific flexibilities
requested.
o How the State agency will ensure the waived requirement, if approved, will not
risk the purpose or integrity of WIC FMNP; and
As applicable, any additional documentation the State agency deems necessary to support
the waiver request.

State agencies must send all waiver requests to their respective Regional Office as part of the
State Plan amendment process. State Plan amendments must be submitted as an appendix or
attachment to the State Plan and entitled “[State agency name] State Plan Amendment: ARPA
Waiver Request.” If applicable, State agencies must reference in their appendix/attachment the
section, page number, and question number of amended State Plan information; however, FNS
understands that the State Plan Guidance may not capture all the information required in order to
submit a waiver request.
For WIC FMNP State agencies submitting e-solution proposals in conjunction with ARPA
waiver requests, the information requested in Appendix B must be submitted concurrently to be
considered complete. On a case-by-case basis, FNS may consider waiver requests in advance of
an e-solution proposal if the waiver(s) would facilitate further development of such proposal. In
such cases, the State agency must indicate its intent to submit an e-solution proposal at a later
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date with its waiver request. Further, FNS will communicate details related to potential
opportunities for funding at a later date.
ARPA waiver approval will remain in effect for the duration of the proposed project, or no more
than three years after the start date, whichever occurs first. FNS currently has the authority to
renew waiver requests and will issue guidance on the renewal process at a later date.
FNS is committed to reviewing these waiver requests expeditiously; however, response times
will depend on the complexity and novelty of the request. FNS reserves the right to request
additional information if a submission is deemed incomplete, and as needed to ensure
consistency with statutory authority and Program regulations.
State agencies should reach out to their respective Regional Office with any questions about the
ARPA waiver request process or for technical assistance on WIC FMNP modernization efforts.

The requirements and activities, and their associated burden, outlined here are to be included
under OMB Control Number 0584-0447, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Program
Regulations - Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden, which expires on 8/31/24.
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