Appendix G - WIC Policy Memo 2024-5

April 23, 2024
SUBJECT:

WIC Policy Memorandum #2024-5
Implementing the Provisions of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages Final
Rule

TO:

Regional Directors
Supplemental Nutrition Division
All Regional Offices
WIC State Agency Directors
All WIC State Agencies

On April 18, 2024, FNS published the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages final rule. Through this policy
memorandum, FNS formally describes the timeline and parameters for implementation of
the provisions of the final rule.
Background
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revision
in the WIC Food Packages (which will be referred to throughout this document as the final
rule) was published in the Federal Register (89 FR 28488). The final rule is effective June 17th.
While State agencies may implement provisions beginning on the effective date, State
agencies will have 24 months from the date of publication to implement provisions from the
final rule with some exceptions. FNS revised the implementation timeline for the final rule
based on public comments received during the proposed rulemaking stage.
Food Packages Final Rule Implementation Periods
The provisions in the final rule must be implemented within 24 months with two exceptions:

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•

The Cash Value Voucher/Benefit (CVV/B): Implementation of the CVV/B amounts must
occur within 60 days after publication of the rule. Amounts will be adjusted annually
for inflation. For fiscal year (FY) 2024, implementation of the CVV/B amounts in the
final rule occurred via WIC Policy Memorandum #2024-1, based on enacted
appropriations legislation, at the inflation adjusted amounts of $26 for child
participants, $47 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $52 for fully and
partially breastfeeding participants. FNS will provide adjusted inflation amounts for FY
2025 in a policy memorandum to be published the summer of 2024.

•

Vitamin D yogurt specification: Implementation of the vitamin D specification for
yogurt must be completed within 36 months after publication of the final rule.

Table – Implementation Timeline
Provision
CVV/B

Regulatory Requirement
Implement the provision in (§
246.10(e)(10) and (11), Tables 2
and 3) that increase CVV/B for
children to $24, pregnant and
postpartum to $43, and partial
and fully breastfeeding to $47,
adjusted for inflation. *

Vitamin D
Supplementation in
Yogurt

Implement the provision in
Table 4 at 7 CFR 246.10(e)(12)
that establishes a minimum
Vitamin D requirement of 106 IU
Vitamin D per 8 ounces of
yogurt.

All other provisions

Please refer to Federal Register
(89 FR 28488)

Implementation Date
At or before 60 days after
publication or June 17,
2024. Implementation of
the inflation-adjusted
amounts occurred via WIC
Policy Memorandum
#2024-1. The CVV/B
amounts for FY 2024
remain unchanged.
At or before 36 months
after publication or April
19, 2027.

At or before 24 months
after publication or April
20, 2026.

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*For FY 2024, the inflation adjusted CVV/CVB amounts are $26 for child participants, $47 for pregnant and
postpartum participants, and $52 for fully and partially breastfeeding participants. 1 For FY 2025, FNS will
provide the inflation adjusted amounts prior to the start of the FY.

Implementation Parameters
After the effective date of this rule June 17th, WIC State agencies are allowed and encouraged
to implement the provisions before any of the implementation dates provided above, so long
as the requirements below are met.
o For each participant category, WIC State agencies must issue food benefit
amounts based on either the new food package in its entirety or maintain the
current food package. For example, a WIC State agency may not add fish to the
current foods and quantities available under the children’s food package and
make no other changes to the children’s food package required by this final
rule.
o WIC State agencies may phase-in the new WIC food packages on a participant
category basis. For example, all changes to food packages for children ages 1-4
years may be implemented on a schedule different and separate from changes
to food packages for all pregnant participants.
o WIC State agencies must issue the new WIC food packages throughout the
entire State agency service area to minimize participant and vendor confusion.
o WIC State agencies may implement any provisions expanding substitution
options State agency-wide (e.g., additional whole grain options) at any time
following the effective date of June 17, 2024, including before implementation
of the changes to the food packages.

1

WIC Policy Memorandum #2024-1: Fiscal Year 2024 Cash-Value Voucher/Benefit Amounts

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State agencies may submit policies and procedures related to implementation for approval in
advance of required implementation dates. For example, State agencies may submit their
implementation policies and procedures for review and approval with their FY 2025 State
Plan submission (due August 15, 2024) prior to the implementation date. The FY 2025 State
Plan submission must include current policies and procedures in addition to any submitted
in advance of implementation later in the fiscal year. FNS will provide additional technical
assistance resources to support State agencies in updating their policies and procedures.
Prior to implementing any changes to the Program, State agencies should develop
communication and training plans, when appropriate, for all Program stakeholders affected
by the final rule.
The policies and procedures for the required provisions must be implemented no later than
the dates provided in this memorandum. FNS is committed to working with State agencies on
timely implementation. If a State agency determines that they need time beyond the stated
implementation dates for a required provision, they should contact their FNS Regional Office.

State agencies may direct any questions to their respective FNS Regional Office.   

SARA OLSON   
Director   
Policy Division   
Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs