Click here for more information on the Nevada WIC Program.
What is WIC?
WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program that serves income eligible pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk.
The WIC program provides participants with:
NUTRITION EDUCATION
We will help your family create healthy habits and reach your family’s nutrition goals with helpful tips and a range of health and nutrition services that help participants put healthy behaviors into action. Services are customized to each family’s needs and interests.
NUTRITIOUS FOOD
The WIC food package is based on the latest nutrition guidelines to promote optimal health and well-being for you and your family. The WIC foods are low in fat and high in fiber, provide nutritional variety and help to promote a healthy weight. Every food package is individually tailored to meet the participant’s specific nutritional needs.
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
WIC offers breast feeding support, education, and counseling. Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to support the growth of your child while nurturing a bond that will last a lifetime. Mother’s milk has everything a baby needs to grow and stay healthy.
COMMUNITY REFERRALS
We want you to have the community and healthcare assistance you need. We provide referrals for immunizations, health care and other programs.
NUTRITION COUNSELING
Parents often worry about their child’s eating habits. Our qualified nutritionists and staff can give you professional nutrition and wellness advice.
HEALTH SCREENING
Tracking your child’s growth will help you understand his or her health and development.
It is this combination of education, supplemental foods, and referrals to health care providers which allows WIC to make a difference. The WIC program staff work with health and social service professionals to ensure the best health care possible.
Data & Reporting
Infant Formula Shortage FAQ
Q: Why is there an infant formula shortage?
A: In February 2022, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration warned families not to use certain powdered infant formulas that may be contaminated with bacteria. The company subsequently issued a voluntary recall of eight types of infant formulas, all manufactured at one factory in the United States, including: Similac Advance, Similac Sensitive, Similac Total Comfort, Similac Spit-up, Alimentum, Elecare, Elecare Jr, and PM 60/40. Visit www.similacrecall.com for more information or, call 1-800-986-8540 and the company that makes the formula will assist you.
Q: What alternative formulas are available?
A: This voluntary recall only affects infant formula manufactured by Abbott (some Similac, Alimentum, Elecare, and PM 60/40 products). Other brands/types of formula are considered safe to use.
Q: Who can I call to help me find formula?
A: Call 2-1-1, your healthcare provider, or if you are a Nevada WIC participant, contact your local WIC agency or call 1-800-863-8942 for assistance.
Q: Can my baby drink donor milk in place of formula?
A: It is recommended to only use donor milk from a local milk bank that is accredited through the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. To find an accredited milk bank, check here.
Q: What is being done to address the shortage?
A: President Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act to accelerate the domestic production of formula and the launch of Operation Fly Formula is delivering formula from overseas to replenish the nation’s stock.
Abbott, the producers of the Similac and Elecare line of formula products, issued a statement on May 13 that all of their facilities have shifted to focus on manufacturing formula and that they anticipate being able to reopen their Sturgis facility in the following two weeks.
Q: When will the formula shortage end?
A: It is not known when the formula shortage will end. Abbott, the producers of the Similac and Elecare line of formula products, issued a statement on May 13 that all of their facilities have shifted to focus their manufacturing on formula and that they anticipate being able to reopen their Sturgis facility in the following two weeks.
Q: Can I dilute powdered formula to make it last longer?
A: No, always prepare infant formula according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Formula is made to provide the levels of electrolytes and nutrients an infant needs. By adding more water, this could lead to abnormalities in the body and alter the composition of the formula.
Q: Can I follow a recipe to make formula at home?
Do not make formula at home. The production of safe formula requires a sterile facility and the composition of homemade formulas do not meet an infant’s nutritional needs. There is a risk for them becoming malnourished or getting an infection.
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