USDA extends WIC waivers for infant formula to Dec. 31

With shortages continuing in parts of the country, the USDA extended on Tuesday a series of waivers that give WIC households additional options for buying infant formula. The waivers were set to expire on Sept. 30 but now would run through the end of the year.

The government purchases half of the infant formula in the nation through WIC and the largest U.S. maker, Abbott, was having difficulty in bringing its plant in Sturgis, Michigan, back to full production after a shutdown in February. Many states have sole-source contracts to supply formula for WIC recipients.

With the extensions, WIC state agencies, with the agreement of their suppliers, will be able to offer options, such as alternative sizes, types and brands of formula to WIC households if their regular formula is not available. Participants in the Women, Infants and Children program receive a monthly voucher for purchase of specified foods.

Since mid-February, nearly 500 waivers have been granted to WIC state agencies involving infant formula, said the USDA.

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