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Alabama WIC Program Continuity of Operations Plan When Crossroads is Unavailable Reviewed Date: 08/01/2026

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• Continue to provide food benefit issuance, when able to do so: o Alabama WIC has minimal issuance capabilities outside of Crossroads. Alternative solutions depend on the family having an active electronic benefit account (EBA) and an active eWIC card. Refer to the Alabama WIC Crossroads Disaster Recovery Plan for alternative solutions when both an active EBA and active eWIC card are available. o Ask family about any changes in demographic or personal information, and food prescription. Document any reported changes on the Crossroads Downtime form. o If Crossroads remains available at alternate sites, issuance may be conducted remotely. ▪ For all participants except those on exempt formula or WIC-eligible medical foods, coordinate with staff able to access Crossroads to issue each participant one month of food benefits remotely. Up to three months benefits may be issued if the situation warrants. ▪ Ask participant to call for a future appointment when Crossroads is back online or continue procedure in place for open access clinics. o Participants on exempt formula or WIC-eligible medical foods (Food Package III) may be issued clinic issued formula, if available in inventory. Additional product may be ordered from the State WIC Office, Operations Branch. Thoroughly document actions/instructions.

When Crossroads system is available again: • Enter data documented on forms: o Required Data Elements o Other data forms as needed o Print required notices o When Crossroads becomes available, participants may be contacted either by phone or mail to schedule appointments.

Readiness Training for WIC Staff: • Alabama WIC conducts training to ensure readiness to utilize Crossroads Downtime forms and procedures during initial staff onboarding and will ensure refresher training of all employees every 2 years. • Any changes to Crossroads are communicated when pertinent updates are released.