Formula Update:

The availability of standard infant formula is returning to normal levels.  While we had been able to provide brands other than Similac to families unable to find their needed formula during the formula shortage, these temporary flexibilities are ending nationally.  All Massachusetts WIC participants using standard formula will only be receiving Similac products with February benefits and beyond.

If you are unable to find your baby’s formula, you can contact your local WIC office or the 800 number on the back of your WIC Card for help finding a store that has the product in stock.  At this time, we are aware that Enfamil AR is likely to be hard to find. If your infant uses Enfamil AR, you should talk to your health care provider about other options to meet their needs, as there are no other comparable formulas available.  Abbott has discontinued Similac For Spit Up.

Some special medical formulas may be harder to find at times.  Your local WIC program can help you find the special formula you are prescribed and work with your health care provider if an alternative formula may be easier to find. WIC families that have MassHealth can also talk to their health care providers about sending a prescription for their formula to a local pharmacy to get the formula through insurance.

The WICShopper app is a very helpful tool for families to see their formula prescriptions and identify the different types of formula that can be purchased.  We recommend downloading the app and registering your WIC Card for up-to-date information about your benefits. Please see www.ebtshopper.com for more information.

Important Information – It is unsafe to overdilute formula, make homemade infant formula or use regular cow’s milk, goat milk or milk substitutes to feed infants.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding infants iron-fortified infant formula during the first year of life when human milk is unavailable.

Feeding breast milk and formula? If you are partially breastfeeding and would like help increasing your milk supply to reduce the amount of formula your baby receives, call your local WIC office or call or text your breastfeeding peer counselor.  WIC has many breastfeeding resources available to support you.

Participants should first reach out to their local WIC office with questions.  Contact information, including email addresses, can be found here: Locations | Mass.gov Participants who need additional support can also reach out by email to [email protected].