Conducting Remote WIC Certification Appointments During the COVID-19 Pandemic
This report analyzes the impact of waivers that allowed WIC participants to be certified without in-person visits during the COVID-19 public health emergency, assessing effects on access, participation, and service delivery.
Reviews the use of the physical presence waiver under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed WIC agencies to remotely certify and serve participants without requiring in-person visits.
It draws on state and local agency data, surveys, and qualitative feedback to evaluate how the waiver affected program access, enrollment, participant satisfaction, and administrative operations. Findings indicate that the waiver reduced barriers to participation, improved convenience for families, and maintained service continuity, especially for those facing transportation, health, or childcare challenges. However, it also highlights implementation challenges such as technology limitations, data collection gaps, and the need for policy clarity.
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