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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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States Can Make Baby Formula Easier to Get for WIC Participants

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Wednesday, July 27, 2022   

Shopping for baby formula online could soon be a reality for those enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

The federal government said states can apply for grants to improve their programs for people with WIC benefits. WIC participants purchase nearly half the nation's baby formula, but are not able to use their benefits to order it from online retailers.

Geri Henchy, director of nutrition policy and early childhood programs at the Food Research and Action Center, said the government began testing online programs for WIC recipients last year.

"And this year, just now, they're saying that they're going to fund states to move forward with online ordering," Henchy explained. "They're inviting them to apply for this funding. And it's part of a larger effort to improve the shopping options for WIC clients."

With the ongoing formula shortage, she argued better access is especially important for new parents in rural areas. WIC monthly benefits go to people who are low-income and pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding or have children up to age five, to help ensure these families have access to nutritious foods.

Henchy pointed out before the nationwide shortage, WIC participants could purchase only one brand of formula. But the U.S. Department of Agriculture has lifted purchasing restrictions. She added WIC has been a lifeline for families during a time of inflation in food prices.

"Families have a guarantee of the amount of formula, they have a guarantee of the amount of cereal and juice and eggs, they're guaranteed to get that as part of their benefits," Henchy noted. "And I think that's really important, and people are relying on it."

The Biden administration also said it will work with states to implement disaster plans to ensure households have access to formula, and improve distribution of specialty formula for infants with health conditions, in the event of a future supply-chain disruption or emergency declaration.

Around 11 million people nationwide are eligible to receive benefits from WIC.


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