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08/29/08: The disaster
policies and guidance issued by FNS regarding Hurricane Katrina in 2005
are still valid and appropriate for dealing with Hurricane Gustav.
However, some of the attachments (i.e., WIC food lists and sample food
instruments) are State-specific and may be obsolete; please contact the
individual WIC State agency directly for a current list/sample. This
guidance will be updated as more information becomes available.
Hurricane Katrina Disaster Response
(includes updates as of 9/13/05)
In support of President Bush’s promise to make it easier
for evacuees to register and obtain benefits in any State, many WIC
Program requirements have been modified.
Key Information for Participants
- Evacuees have been designated as special
nutrition risk and therefore will receive high priority for
certification.
- Evacuees do not have to present proof of
identity, residency or income if documentation is not available.
- Evacuees will be given Verification of
Certification cards to ensure continuation of benefits should they
relocate to another location.
- As a result of the relocation of Hurricane
Katrina evacuees to many different area, the Louisiana and Alabama WIC
State Agencies have determined that September food instruments may be
accepted by any WIC-authorized vendor in any State.
Key Information for Retailers/Vendors
- Any
store that accepts the out-of-State food instrument must inform the
participant that she/he must contact the WIC office in that State to
get certified and receive new food instruments if she/he plans to
remain in that State after September 2005.
- If
at all possible, the participant should receive the contract brand
infant formula specified on the food instrument. Further, if it is not
possible for the vendor to provide the brand items listed on the
check, the vendor may substitute a similar item from the State’s
WIC-approved food list.
- The
Louisiana or Alabama WIC State Agency is responsible for the cost of
the food instrument. The out-of-State vendor should deposit the food
instrument in its bank account which would charge the amount against
the Louisiana or Alabama State Agency’s bank account.
- The
Mississippi WIC Program does not use food instruments that are
redeemable through grocery stores; therefore, they are not covered by
this policy.
Toll-free numbers for WIC
State Agencies
How to apply for the WIC Program
FNS
Disaster Assistance
WIC Food Lists (PDF)
Alabama
Louisiana
Sample Food Instruments (PDF)
Alabama
Louisiana
Click here for
Detailed Policy Guidance for State Cooperators
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