TO: Illinois WIC Vendors
FROM: Stephanie Bess, M.S., R.D., LDN
Chief, Bureau of Family Nutrition
SUBJECT: IL WIC Vendor Notice 22-11 - Infant Formula Minimum Stock Waiver Extension
DATE: August 25, 2022
Illinois Department of Human Services, Bureau of Family Nutrition is monitoring the supply of infant formula closely in our state. We are working very closely with our contract infant formula supplier, Mead Johnson, who has been very responsive and helpful throughout the issues that have arisen as a result of the Abbott formula recall in February 2022.
In an effort to help alleviate some of the concerns of our vendors, IL WIC has waived sanctions as a result of the minimum stock of infant formula is not maintained at all times. This waiver was set to expire at the end of August 2022. On August 23, 2022, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended a series of waivers to provide WIC families with additional formula options through the end of the year. The waivers, which were previously set to expire at the end of September, will now be available through the earlier of either Dec. 31, 2022, or 60 days after the expiration of the state's COVID-19 major disaster declaration, ensuring WIC families have continued access to the formula they need.
Based on this information, we will not issue sanctions to stores who are unable to maintain the minimum stock of infant formulas while these waivers are in place. We still encourage our vendors to continue to maintain some stock of Enfamil Infant and Enfamil ProSobee for participants to purchase as you are able. We also want to take advantage of this opportunity to remind our vendors of the temporary additions to sizes of Infant Formula containers which have been announced as they have been added. We strongly encourage all of our vendors to work with their Infant Formula suppliers to stock Infant Formulas that are on our APL in Illinois.
If you have any questions, we strongly recommend referring to the DHS WIC Vendor page (www.dhs.state.il.us/wicvendor) for up to date information and regular updates about the WIC Vendor Program. You may also reach out to our offices at DHS.WICVendor@illinois.gov or by phone at 844-901-0962 (leave a message with as much information as possible and we will call you back within 1 business day).
