In an effort to offer maximum flexibility to WIC participants and reduce the frustrations associated with not being able to purchase available infant formulas with WIC benefits due to specific size/type issues, Illinois is temporarily expanding issuance to additional contract brand products not previously authorized. Participants will have the option to purchase multiple products when issued one type of formula. The Temporary Additions to Contract (pdf) Formulas identifies the products that are currently available for participants to purchase with WIC benefits in Illinois. If you have further questions, please reach out to your local WIC Agency. You can find the contact information for your local agency using the DHS Office Locator.
May 1, 2023
Contract brand formulas that do not meet the standard sizes per contract agreement with Reckitt-Mead Johnson will no longer be able to be redeemed with Illinois WIC Benefits. With this change, formula types, sizes and amounts return to pre-formula recall standards except for the following Ready-to-Use (RTU) formulas, which will continue to be available for purchase.
- Enfamil NeuroPro Infant RTU
- Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease RTU
- Nutramigen RTU
Temporary Additions to Contract Formulas (pdf) has been updated to reflect the current listing of options available to participants. Please contact your Local WIC Agency with any questions. You can find the contact information for your local agency using the DHS Office Locator.
March 1, 2023
Due to the improving supply of standard infant formulas, USDA is taking a phased approached to ending waivers that allowed certain flexibilities for providing formula benefits throughout the Abbott recall.
As of March 1, 2023. the following brands of international formulas will no longer be able to be redeemed with Illinois WIC Benefits.
Illinois WIC also strongly encourages the following practices.
- WIC participants should redeem formula benefits throughout the month of benefit eligibility and not wait until benefits are about to expire.
- Be aware that some vendors have implemented quantity limits on formulas to aid in ensuring equity in access to formula for as many customers as possible.
- Work with your medical provider to identify alternative formulas on the IL WIC Formulary that may be more available if you are struggling to find your prescribed formula.
- If formula is not found on a store shelf, always ask a store manager or employee if stock is available, as there may sometimes be delays and supplies are being distributed as needed.
Donor milk / Milk sharing
The FDA suggests that a decision to give donor breastmilk to your infant should be made in consultation with baby's health care provider and that only screened donor breastmilk should be used.
If you have an oversupply of breastmilk, consider donating extra milk to an area milk bank.
