WIC PROPOSED ONLINE SHOPPING RULE
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a proposed new rule on February 23. This proposed rule allows WIC participants to order purchases online. They are asking for comments about this rule. Comments are being accepted until May 24, 2023.
WIC is a powerful public health program, proven to help moms, babies and young children thrive. The purpose of this new proposed rule is to update the way approved foods are purchased by WIC participants. Oregon WIC supports all the proposed changes in general. You can read some of the proposed changes in this new rule below.
MAKE IT EASIER TO ORDER AND PURCHASE FOODS ONLINE
Allow WIC participants to shop online.
Include vendors who support internet and mobile shopping.
Update how vendors are defined in the rules to include mobile vendors.
Return WIC Participant benefits to their account balance if an online order is not fulfilled. Allow WIC participants to use the returned benefits 7 days after the benefit expiration date.
Update recall exchange policy to make sure WIC participants are treated the same as any shopper affected by the recall.
Allow WIC shoppers to pay fees associated with online shopping.
Request for comment on allowing State agencies to pay for fees associated with online shopping.
Allow State agencies to develop virtual methods of oversight.
STREAMLINE AND MODERNIZE WIC FOOD DELIVERY
Allow food delivery to a location chosen by participants.
Make the length of vendor application and agreements 5 years.
USDA is requesting comments on authorizing specialty stores that carry WIC-approved foods.
MEET THE NEEDS OF A MODERN, DATA-DRIVEN PROGRAM
Create two new WIC State agency positions to update the WIC shopping experience:
A WIC Food Delivery Coordinator and a WIC Customer Service Coordinator.
SHARE YOUR COMMENT BY MAY 24, 2023