About half of the infant formula in the US is purchased by those using federal WIC benefits, which allow them to obtain the formula for free but restrict what type, size and brand they can select
. Some 1.2 million infants are in the WIC program, formally known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Each state has a contract with a single manufacturer. Abbott Nutrition, which is contending with a massive recall of its formula, is the exclusive provider to about half of infants in WIC.The February recall has exacerbated shortages caused by ongoing supply chain issues, leaving all parents with fewer choices in many stores.
Ten states and Puerto Rico are using one waiver.The waivers help relieve some of the pressure on low-income families, said Geri Henchy, director of nutrition policy at the Food Research & Action Center, an advocacy group."Parents would have the option to choose the formula that's available, as opposed to only being able to get formula that isn't on the shelf," she said.
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