216-RICR-20-05-3. WIC Program (version Amendment, 02/17/2002 to 02/26/2003)

Goals 2002 Section IX Public Input/Notification Section IX - 1 IX Public Input / Notification See WIC Operations Manual Section 9 Goals 2002 Section IX Public Input/Notification Section IX - 2 PUBLIC INPUT (Operations - 9) For several years, there has been little or no comments submitted in connection with the annual formal public hearing. In conjunction with the Division of Family Health, WIC and other Family Health units have taken a more proactive approach to seek out input from consumers, providers and the public. The Division conducted a statewide series of community forums to receive comment on operations, services, future directions and unmet needs related to its programs, including WIC, and maternal, child and adolescent health. WIC managers and parent consultants played key roles, to assure the project met WIC’s need for input. Several parents and community service organizations commented about WIC. These comments have been considered, and have affected the development of this Plan, as well as changes in operational policies. In addition, to meet FNS review and State legal requirements, a Public Hearing will be scheduled within the quarter to receive comments on proposed revisions to the Goals, herein, in accordance with the conduct, attendance, comment, and recording procedures described in Section 9 of the State Operations Manual. Notices will be published in newspapers having aggregate statewide distribution. Draft copies of the State Plan and Manuals will be available for public inspection thirty days prior to the public hearing at the Department of Health, Room 303. The mechanisms for comments on the State Plan include verbal and written statements given prior to, at and immediately following the public hearing. These comments are then reviewed by the WIC Program Administration. All comments will be given full consideration in making corrections, additions, and changes to the State Plan and Manuals. Following this comment period, proposed policy and procedure changes, as well as any modifications of these Goals, will be submitted as State Plan Amendments to Food and Nutrition Services. Goals 2002 Section IX Public Input/Notification Section IX - 3 PUBLIC HEARING NOTIFICATION (Operations - 9) A Public Hearing was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on January 8th, 2002 regarding the State Plan of Operation and Administration of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC and Farmers Market Services) for fiscal year 2001, at the Rhode Island Department of Health in accordance with the conduct, attendance, comment, and recording procedures described in Section 9 of the State Operations Manual. Notices were published in newspapers having aggregate statewide distribution. Draft copies of the State Plan were available for public inspection thirty days prior to the public hearing at the Department of Health, Room 303. The mechanisms for comments on the State Plan include verbal and written statements given prior to, at and immediately following the public hearing. These comments are then reviewed by the WIC Program Administration. In addition, The Division of Family Health conducted a statewide series of community forums to receive comment on operations, future directions; services and unmet needs of its programs, including WIC. Several parents and community service organizations commented about WIC. These comments have been considered, and have affected the development of this Plan. All comments will be given full consideration in making corrections, additions, and changes to the State Plan proposal.