FNS Documents & Resources

This letter extends the expiration date for certain flexibilities for WIC state agencies following the Abbott Recall and infant formula shortage. 

The Breastfed Babies Welcome Here! resource contains communication tools CACFP operators can use to let mothers and families know that breastfed babies are welcome at their child care site. 

¡Bebés lactados son bienvenidos aquí! El recurso contiene herramientas de comunicación que los operadores de CACFP pueden usar para que las madres y las familias sepan que los bebés lactados son bienvenidos en su sitio de cuidado infantil. Incluye una guía para madres, un póster y un mensaje gráfico.

WIC was established as a permanent program in 1974 to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. This mission is carried out by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutrition education (including breastfeeding promotion and support), and referrals to health and other social services. 

This letter is in response to correspondence from WIC state agencies requesting flexibility with regard to the maximum monthly allowance (MMA) requirements in WIC as a result of the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Abbott recall of certain powder infant formula on the nationwide supply chain leading to both periodic location and product-based WIC infant formula shortages.

This letter provides WIC state agencies flexibility related to WIC federal requirements. USDA is collaborating across a number of government agencies to ensure that WIC participants are able to obtain safe formula.

Follow up to letter dated May 24, 2022 and recent listening sessions with state health commissioners and WIC state agencies.

This letter is in response to correspondence from WIC state agencies requesting program flexibility from WIC federal requirements as a result of the impact of the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic and the 2022 Abbott recall of certain powder infant formula and exempt infant formula on the nationwide supply chain leading to both periodic location- and product-based WIC infant formula and exempt infant formula shortages.

USDA letter to State Health Commissioners whose WIC state agency holds an infant formula rebate contract with either Mead Johnson-Reckitt or Nestle Gerber.

Letter to reiterate the flexibilities that USDA has made available to all WIC state agencies and to urge all states to take additional action to make it easier for families to get the formula they need.