The U.S. Department of Agriculture is encouraging state agencies and baby formula manufacturers to consider measures to increase flexibility amid the agency’s effort to get more formula to families in need.
According to a May 25 USDA news release, the temporary flexibility in baby formula contracts would enable WIC participants to buy different sizes, forms and brands of formula during the duration of the shortage. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said responding to the shortage will continue to be a team effort.
“We encourage states and their formula manufacturers to work together to maximize access to infant formula for WIC participants, and USDA will provide the funding to make that possible,” Vilsack said in the news release. “WIC families are depending on us for the vital nourishment their babies and children need to thrive. We cannot let them down.”
The USDA also noted its contract allows the government to buy formula from a specific group of companies, the recommendation is for additional brands to be approved for use by WIC families.Moreover, the release noted the USDA is taking advantage of legislation signed by President Joe Biden – the Access to Baby Formula Act – to cover any additional costs incurred by permitting additional brands to work with state governments.
According to the USDA news release, WIC families use more than half of all baby formula consumed in the U.S. each year.
