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

NCDHHS works in partnership with parents, caregivers, medical providers and WIC agencies to ensure safe and nutritious options for North Carolina families to feed infants. We have developed resources at www.ncdhhs.gov/formula to support you and your baby.
Families participating in WIC are encouraged to continue to use standard Gerber formula options when they are available to ensure consistency. These are:
- Gerber Good Start Gentle (12.7) powder infant formula
- Gerber Good Start Soy (12.9) powder infant formula
- Gerber Good Start Soothe (12.4) powder infant formula Note: As of March 17, 2023, Gerber Good Start SoothePro has been voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer. Find out more.
Starting March 1, 2023, WIC Formula options are changing. Imported formulas are no longer available for purchase with WIC Benefits. Check here for important information and updates on formula options available for WIC Participants:
- WIC Family Guidance on Formula Options for WIC Participants (4/26/23) Includes information on formulas available, redeeming benefits and examples.
- WIC Family Guidance on Formula Options for WIC Participants – Spanish (4/26/23)
- WIC Temporary Formula Options Chart (5/1/23) Includes product information and sizes, including product images.
- WIC Temporary Formula Options Chart – Spanish (5/1/23)
FDA Takes Important Steps to Improve Supply of Infant and Specialty Formula Products

Breastfeeding Resources

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

Formula Recalls

Perrigo – Gerber Good Start Soothe Pro Powdered Infant Formula: Voluntary Recall of Limited Quantity Issued March 17, 2023

Perrigo issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of Gerber Good Start SoothePro powdered infant formula out of an abundance of caution due to the potential presence of the bacteria Cronobacter. Perrigo’s announcement indicates that no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of the bacteria and no adverse events have been reported. Consumers who purchased Gerber Good Start SoothePro after March 5, 2023 should check their formula’s Lot Codes and “use by” dates, which can be found on the bottom of the package. See list of Lot Codes and “use by” dates here.
If your product is affected by the recall, do not use it. Use an alternate product, such as another standard milk-based formula or breast milk, for your infant and talk to your pediatrician or health care provider about any concerns you may have.
Parents and caregivers of infants, including WIC participants, who have purchased this product should contact Gerber Parent Resource Center at 1-800-777-7690 to learn more, as well as to request refunds for impacted products.
For additional details about this recall, visit NCDHHS Press Release: Voluntary Recall of Certain Gerber Good Start SoothePro Powdered Infant Formula.

Reckitt (Mead Johnson Nutrition) – Enfamil ProSobee Infant Formula: Voluntary Recall Issued February 19, 2023

Reckitt (Mead Johnson Nutrition) voluntarily recalled a very small amount of Enfamil ProSobee Infant Formula. The recall includes two batches of 12.9 oz. containers manufactured between August 2022 and September 2022 that were distributed through retail stores nationwide in the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico. No illnesses have been reported and no other ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula batches or other Reckitt products are impacted.
Parents and caregivers of infants, including WIC participants, who have purchased this product should contact Reckitt at 1-800-479-0551 or by email at consumer.relations@rb.com.
Parents and caregivers of infants who have used this product and are concerned about the health of their child should contact their health care provider.
For additional details about this recall, visit: ProSobee Recall 2023 | Enfamil US

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 your 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 Items

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.