WIC in the News

WIC Program Updates 

Here you will find news-worthy updates as they relate to North Carolina WIC. Additional information related to items found here may also be found on the For Participants and/or For Staff webpage(s). 

Infant Formula Resources

Breastfeeding Resources

Below is more information and resources to support and learn more about breastfeeding:

Voluntary Recall of Abbott Powder Formulas

Abbott voluntarily recalled their Similac ®, Alimentum®, and EleCare® powder infant formulas manufactured in a single facility in Michigan. Click here for more information.  The recall also includes of one lot Similac® PM 60/40 powder infant formula. Click here for more information.

Abbott is voluntarily recalling these products after investigation into four reports of Cronobacter sakazakii infections in infants (three from FDA complaints and one from a CDC case finding) and one complaint of a Salmonella Newport infection in an infant who had consumed the identified powder formula products manufactured in a single facility in Michigan. The products under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after. One lot of Similac ®PM 60/40 [Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot # 27032K800 (case)] is included in the recall. Product images may be found here. If affected product is identified, it should NOT be used. Families with affected product can: return the product to the place of purchase; may contact Abbott for instructions at similacrecall.com or Similac customer service at 1-800-986-8540; or return to the local WIC agency.

Increased Cash Value Benefit (CVB)

Have you heard?  Your monthly WIC Cash Value Benefit has been increased. Enjoy more fruits and vegetables with: 

  • $25 per month for children, 

  • $44 per month for pregnant and postpartum women, and 

  • $49 per month for breastfeeding women. 

COVID-19 Related WIC Program Updates 

WIC Remains open to serve eligible family members. There have been some modifications in how services are provided in response to COVID-19. 

  • If you or a family member are currently certified to receive WIC food benefits the benefits will be added to your eWIC account on your family issue date without any further action. This will limit personal interactions at the local WIC clinic. 

  • If you need breastfeeding support, any food package change, or need to update certification please follow the instructions from your local WIC agency. Keep your current eWIC card. Your current eWIC card will be used for future months WIC food benefits. 

  • If you have questions, call your local WIC office for specific guidance on how services are being provided. 

  • *New applicants* may self-refer by using the online referral form to initiate the certification process. 

Current Food Package Waivers

Tab/Accordion Item

NC WIC COVID-19 food package waivers: if a store is out of the product type/size issued in food benefits, the following items are allowed: 

  • Bread - 100% whole wheat or whole grain, any size 16-24 oz. 

  • Milk - when issued skim/non-fat or 1%, you can get 2%. 

  • Yogurt - when issued skim/non-fat or 1%, you can get whole-fat. 

Las concesiones de NC WIC COVID-19: Si una tienda está fuera del tipo / tamaño de producto emitido, se permiten los siguientes productos: 

  • Pan - 100% trigo integral o grano entero, cualquier tamaño 16-24 oz. 

  • Leche: cuando se emite descremada / sin grasa o 1%, puede obtener 2%. 

  • Yogurt: cuando se emite descremado / sin grasa o 1%, puede obtener grasa entera. 

Resources for Families During COVID-19