OAR 333-052-0044: WIC Participant Eligibility and Benefits

(1) A WIC participant is eligible to receive WIC Farm Direct Nutrition Program benefits if the participant meets all the following eligibility criteria on the date of Farm Direct benefit issuance: (a) Is currently receiving benefits under the WIC Program; and (b) Belongs to any of the following WIC categories: (A) A pregnant person; (B) A person who is breastfeeding less than one year after delivery; (C) A non-lactating post-partum person less than six months after delivery; (D) A child through the end of the month they turn five years of age; or (E) An infant older than four months of age. (2) WIC Farm Direct benefits are limited and benefits will be distributed in an equitable manner within participating local agencies but the Oregon Health Authority (Authority) is not required to distribute benefits to all individuals who are eligible. (3) The Authority will determine a standard benefit package per eligible individual and per family each year. (4) Program benefits may be issued to the participant/caretaker in a face-to-face contact by local WIC agency staff or by U.S. mail, and the participant/caretaker must receive a Program orientation when receiving vouchers for the first time in the current year. (5) Program benefits are valid from June 1 through November 30 of the year in which benefits were issued. (6) Lost or stolen Farm Direct benefits will not be replaced. (7) Individuals who are denied WIC Farm Direct benefits may appeal the denial, but shall not receive Farm Direct benefits while awaiting the decision. (8) WIC participants whose Farm Direct benefits are terminated may appeal the termination of benefits and shall continue to receive Farm Direct benefits until the hearing official reaches a decision or the expiration of the current Farm Direct season, whichever occurs first.