Division of WIC & Community Nutrition Services

Subject: Certification of Homeless / Institutionalized Policy: CRT 04.1 Reference: CFR §246.7 Effective: August 12, 2013 Supersedes: June 15, 2006

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I. Policy:

Local agencies shall serve homeless / institutionalized applicants if they meet all eligibility requirements.

II. Procedure(s):

A. Facilities / institutions where homeless applicants reside shall meet the following conditions:

1) The facility / institution does not accrue financial or in-kind benefits from a person’s participation in the program;

2) Foods provided by WIC are not included in a communal food service, but are available exclusively to the WIC participant;

3) The facility / institution places no constraints on the ability of the participant to receive WIC foods and nutrition education.

B. Contact the facility / institution and request a written statement that documents compliance with all three conditions.

C. Maintain a file of written compliance statements from all facilities / institutions.

D. Inform the facility / institution that to be compliant, they only need to alter standard procedures to meet the three conditions for the residents who are WIC applicants / participants.

E. Request facilities / institutions to notify the local agency if they cease to comply with any of the conditions.

F. Inform participants they may need to make alternative arrangements before subsequent certification if compliance is not established or the facility / institution declines to cooperate with the local agency.

1) If the participant remains in a non-compliant homeless facility / institution, WIC food benefits, except infant formula, may no longer be issued to the participant. The participant may continue to receive nutrition education and referral services.