Appendix N: WIC and FMNP: Available Expedited ARPA Waivers and Request Process

Appendix N
WIC and FMNP: Available Expedited ARPA Waivers and Request Process

Food and
Nutrition
Service
1320
Braddock
Place
Alexandria,
VA
22314

October 17, 2023
SUBJECT:

WIC and FMNP: Available Expedited ARPA Waivers and Request Process

TO:

All FNS Regional Office Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs Directors
All WIC State Agencies
All WIC FMNP State Agencies

This letter provides information to Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants,
and Children (WIC) State agencies and WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) State
agencies on available American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2; ARPA) waivers and a new
State agency request process. These waivers will support State agency efforts to develop and test
innovative and modern ideas intended to increase WIC and FMNP enrollment and retention,
redemption of benefits, and equity in program access in accordance with the waiver authority
provided to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through ARPA.
To support State agencies as they work to improve the customer experience for all applicants and
participants, FNS has developed and launched an expedited ARPA waiver request process for a
set of waiver topics (see Attachment). State agencies can visit the ARPA WIC and FMNP State
Agency Waiver Request site to request a waiver using the new process. Both the process and
waivers were designed based on extensive feedback from State agencies. The process will be
continually improved as additional feedback is received after launch. Additional waivers may
also be added to this request process at a later date.
State agencies must adhere to each of their waivers’ caveats, conditions, and expiration date.
When necessary to reflect current program operations, State agencies are required to update their
State Plans, policies, and procedures. Waivers become effective when FNS sends a waiver
approval notice to the State agency.
We encourage all State agencies to consider this waiver opportunity, which will be available
through September 13, 2024, to allow for processing by the close of the Fiscal Year. FNS
appreciates State agencies’ commitment to modernizing WIC and FMNP and is eager to learn
how service delivery has improved nationwide. State agencies should reach out to their
respective Regional Offices with any questions.
Sincerely,

SARA L. OLSON
Director, Policy Division
Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs

AMY M. HERRING
Director, Office of Innovation
Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs

Attachment:
Table of Expedited ARPA Waivers Available to WIC and FMNP State Agencies

Regional Directors and WIC and FMNP State Agencies
Page 2

Attachment: Table of Expedited ARPA Waivers Available to WIC and FMNP State
Agencies
Waiver Name
WIC Certification
Separation of Duties
Vendor and Technology/Online
Shopping
Refunds or Exchanges

Last Date of Use
PIN Requirements
Definitions - Vendor
Onsite Preauthorization
Definitions – Routine Monitoring
(On-site)
Definitions – Compliance Buy (Onsite)
Cashier Documented for
Compliance Buy
Mobile Pay
Nonprofits at Farmers’ Markets
FMNP
Interactive Training
Monitoring

Waived Regulation(s)

Date Released

246.4(a)(27)(iii)

10/17/2023

7 CFR 246.12(h)(3)(ii)(A)
7 CFR 246.12(bb)(1)(i)
Operating Rule 4.7.8.3.a
Voided transactions
Operating Rule 4.7.8.4.a
Returns
7 CFR 246.12 (x)(2)(iii)
7 CFR 246.12(h)(3)(vi);
7 CFR 246.12(bb)(1)(i)
Operating Rule 9.1
7 CFR 246.2 - Vendor
7 CFR 246.12(g)(5)
7 CFR 246.2 - Routine
monitoring
7 CFR 246.2 - Compliance
Buy
7 CFR 246.12(j)(6)(ii)(B)

10/17/2023

7 CFR 246.2 - Food
instrument
7 CFR 246.12(b)
7 CFR 246.12(v)

10/17/2023

7 CFR 248.10(a)(4)
7 CFR 248.10(d)
7 CFR 248.10(e)(2)
7 CFR 248.17(c)(1)

10/17/2023

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