WIC Formula Changes:
Ending of Temporary Formula Options
In 2022, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)/WIC and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) temporarily added additional formula products to WIC’s Approved Product List in response to national formula shortages.
On December 19, 2022, the USDA announced the plan to end the temporary expanded formula options in three phases. The phase out of the temporary expanded formula options began March 1, 2023, and ended on June 30, 2023.
Any participant who has been issued the ready-to-feed hypoallergenic formula or the ready-to-feed Similac NeoSure 32 oz option through June 30, 2023 can continue to use their WIC Card to purchase these ready-to-feed formulas through September 30, 2023 or whenever their benefit period ends, if sooner.
Please contact our office if you have any questions about your temporary formula options or visit the MyFamily website.
WIC provides breastfeeding and infant feeding support to all families.
Call your WIC office for more information on what formulas are available, feeding tips, and answers to your formula questions.
Formula Change FAQs
Question: How do I know I am purchasing the right Similac formula?
The California WIC App will list the benefits available to you. You should buy the brand, type, size, and number of cans listed in your WIC Food Balance. You can use the WIC App’s scan feature to check the UPC barcodes on the formula containers to be sure you are getting the right formula.
You can also talk to WIC staff about which Similac formulas are available. Not all Similac formulas may be available August 1. WIC may have other temporary options so you can find a formula at the store.
If you currently have benefits for Enfamil formula, continue to use your current Enfamil formula benefits until they expire. Your next benefits will include Similac products.
Question: My baby gets special formula with a prescription from a doctor. Will that change too?
If your baby has a doctor’s prescription for a special formula, continue to work with the staff at your WIC office. They can help with requests for medically necessary formulas.
Question: Can I trust the quality of Similac products?
Yes, you can rely on the quality of Similac infant formulas. Similac’s manufacturer, Abbott, instituted a voluntary recall. After shutting down their Sturgis plant temporarily and after a thorough investigation by the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Abbott Laboratories, there has been no conclusive evidence to link Abbott's formulas to infant illnesses.
Abbott is now doing even more quality checks on each batch of formula prior to release. This includes using new technology and improved methods to ensure the highest standards in making its infant formulas. Read more about the Similac infant formulas at the Similac website.
Question: What if my baby struggles with the new formula?
Changing between formula brands is not usually a problem. The biggest difference between brands is usually taste. Most formula-fed babies make the change easily. It may take a few feedings before your baby gets used to the taste of the new formula. Stay with the new brand for at least a week or two.
If you think your baby is having a hard time changing formula, talk to your health care provider or WIC staff.
Question: How do I prepare the new formula?
Prepare formula exactly as directed on the formula label or as directed by your health care provider. This is the same way you prepare Enfamil Infant powder. Never water down the formula to save money or change the taste of the formula. Adding too much water, even for a short adjustment period, will lower the number of calories and nutrients your baby consumes. WIC’s When You Feed Me Formula (English | Spanish) handouts have tips on preparing formula.
Question: Does WIC have more information on infant feeding?
You can visit MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov for more infant feeding tips or talk to a WIC staff or your health care provider. These handouts also provide helpful information on feeding your baby: