Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Online Ordering and Transactions and Food Delivery Revisions To Meet the Needs of a Modern, Data-Driven Program
Key claim: WIC participants can now order groceries and redeem food benefits online through modernized electronic transaction regulations established by the USDA.
Abstract
(Rule · Agriculture Department, Food and Nutrition Administration) This final rule considers public comments submitted in response to the proposed rule to remove barriers to online ordering and internet-based transactions in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) published on February 23, 2023. USDA FNA is issuing this regulatory action to support State innovation and develop and implement modernized systems, while underscoring program integrity. It allows for the use of new technologies to improve the WIC shopping experience while increasing access to healthy foods for WIC participants. This final rule also complements the Program’s complete transition to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) by streamlining and modernizing certain WIC food delivery regulations to support current technology and future innovation, and introduces measures to support a modern, data-driven program that uses new technologies for food delivery.
Why this matters
The final rule enables WIC participants to order eligible groceries and redeem benefits online, potentially reducing shopping and transportation burdens where services are implemented. It changes how benefits can be used, but the finding does not establish universal availability, effects on farmers, or changes in grocery prices.