The WIC program is required to have a contract with a specific formula company to help keep costs down. There are separate contracts for milk-based and soy-based formulas. We renew these contracts every five years. The award for the contract from October 2022–September 2027 for milk-based formula is Mead Johnson, the makers of Enfamil. 

The milk-based formulas offered under the new contract include: 

• Enfamil Infant
• Enfamil Gentlease 
• Enfamil A.R. 
• Enfamil Reguline 

The soy-based formula contract will continue to be with Abbott, the makers of Similac.

• Similac Soy Isomil

The new contract term will be from October 1, 2022–September 30, 2027.

Texas WIC received temporary authorization from the USDA to add alternative brands of standard formula to expand options for WIC participants to find formula following the nationwide formula recall. Consistent with USDA guidance, flexibilities for alternative brand Enfamil and Similac Soy Isomil formulas will end on May 31, 2023. Beginning June 1, 2023, WIC participants will only be able to redeem standard milk and soy formulas from the contracted brands that are listed on their benefits. 

As planned for June 1, your patients who are currently selecting standard alternative brands from different manufacturers will be required to transition to one of the contract products. These are Enfamil Infant, Enfamil Gentlease, Enfamil A.R., Enfamil Reguline and Similac Soy Isomil.   

WIC cannot accept medical requests for other brand equivalents. For example, if your patient requires a gentle formulation, WIC will provide Enfamil Gentlease and cannot accept a prescription for Similac Total Comfort or Good Start Soothe.  

The end of the alternative brand flexibilities does not affect therapeutic formulas, such as premature transitional, hypoallergenic or elemental formulas. These may still be requested through the Medical Request for Therapeutic Formulas.  

Texas WIC has a printable handout available to help support your patient’s formula change.

Most babies can change from one brand of formula to another without much problem. In the first few days on a new formula, some babies will have a slight change in the color of their stool or may drink a little less than usual. This is normal and should get better in a few days.

If the new formula is not tolerated, the WIC program can exchange any unopened cans of formula for a different WIC contract standard formula within the same month that it was purchased. Starting June 1, your patients receiving standard infant formulas will only be able to redeem the contract brands.  

WIC will no longer provide alternative brand formulas, such as milk-based equivalents from Similac, Good Start, store labels or imported brands. WIC will not be able to accept medical requests for other brand equivalents. 

Therapeutic formulas, like hypoallergenic formulas, will still be available with a completed Medical Request for Therapeutic Formula Form.

Instructions listed on the individual can should always be followed when preparing formula. Texas WIC educates participants using the CDC recommendations for safe formula preparation. A helpful article for your patients on safe formula preparation is here: How to Mix Infant Formula | Texas WIC

Yes, regardless of the brand, the monthly formula quantities are the same. These are determined based on federally set program limits and vary based on an infant’s age and breastfeeding frequency.