Colorado WIC Program Policies and Procedures Section 11: Civil Rights Revised: 10/01/2018 Page 1 of 1

Public Notification

Policy: Each local agency must implement a public notification system to inform applicants, participants, and potentially eligible persons of the program availability, program rights and responsibilities, the policy of nondiscrimination, and the procedure for filing a complaint.

Regulations: 7 CFR 246.4(a)(7), FNS Instruction 113-1

Procedures/Additional Guidance:

Basic Elements of Public Notification At least annually, state and local agencies must publish information about the WIC Program. Public service announcements must include the following elements:  Program availability including hours of operation and location of clinics.  Information on how to file a complaint.  The WIC nondiscrimination statement.

Methods of Public Notification State and local agencies must take the actions below to inform the general public, potentially eligible populations, community leaders, grassroots organizations, and referrals sources about the WIC Program.  Prominently display the nondiscrimination poster, And Justice for All, or an FNS WIC-approved substitute, and ensure that Spanish translations are posted in clinics where applicable.  Inform potentially eligible persons, applicants, participants, and grassroots organizations (particularly those in underserved populations), of programs or changes in programs. This includes information pertaining to eligibility, benefits, and services, the location of local facilities or service delivery points, and hours of service. This information can be communicated by methods such as, but not limited to, Internet, newspaper articles, radio and television announcements, letters, leaflets, brochures, computer-based applications, and bulletins.  Provide appropriate information, including Web-based information, in alternative formats for persons with disabilities.  Include the required nondiscrimination statement on all appropriate FNS and agency publications, Web sites, posters, and informational materials provided to the public.  Convey the message of equal opportunity in all photographic and other graphics that are used to provide program or program-related information.