WIC Approved Baby Formula â What's Covered and How It Works
WIC provides infant formula to formula-fed infants as part of the infant food package. The specific brand covered depends entirely on your state, because each state WIC agency contracts with one primary formula manufacturer through a competitive bidding process.
How WIC Formula Coverage Works (Contract Brand System)
USDA FNS requires each state WIC agency to solicit competitive bids from infant formula manufacturers and award a sole-source contract to one manufacturer. This contract significantly reduces WIC's costs through rebates, allowing the program to serve more families. In exchange, that manufacturer's formula products become the WIC-approved "contract brand" in that state.
This is why WIC-approved formula brands are different in different states and why you cannot simply choose any formula at the store and expect it to be covered.
Approved Formula Varies by State
Because each state has its own contract, the formula brand covered by WIC in your state may be different from the brand covered in a neighboring state. To find your state's approved WIC formula brand, select your state below.
Approved formula brands vary by state contract.
Select your state to find your specific WIC-approved formula brand.
Standard vs Exempt Formula
For healthy infants
The primary formula covered by WIC in each state. This is the state-contracted brand awarded through competitive bidding. For infants without specific dietary or medical needs.
For medical needs
Available for infants with metabolic conditions, severe allergies, premature birth, or other medical needs that cannot be met by the contract brand. Requires written medical justification from the infant's doctor â approved case by case.
What to Do If Your Brand Is Not Available
If the WIC-contracted formula brand is temporarily unavailable at your store, contact your WIC agency. During supply disruptions, WIC agencies may issue temporary vouchers for alternative brands.
Do not substitute without approval.
Do not purchase a non-WIC-approved brand and expect reimbursement. Always confirm with your WIC agency before buying a different formula during a shortage or stock issue.
Formula for Special Medical Needs
Infants with metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, severe allergies, premature birth, or other medical diagnoses requiring specialized formulas may be eligible for WIC exempt formula. Work with your pediatrician to obtain the required medical documentation and submit it to your WIC agency for review.
Store Brand vs Name Brand Formula
WIC covers the contracted formula brand, which may be a store brand or a name brand depending on your state's contract. Store brand formulas meet the same FDA nutritional standards as name brand formulas. Whether your state's contract is with a name brand or store brand manufacturer depends on the most recent competitive bidding process in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
WIC covers the formula brand(s) contracted by your state WIC agency. The specific brand varies by state. Select your state on this page or visit your state's WIC program page to find out which brand is covered in your state.
No. WIC covers only the state-contracted formula brand. If you prefer a different brand, you can purchase it out of pocket, but WIC will only cover the contracted brand. If your baby has a medical need requiring a different formula, ask your WIC agency about exempt formula coverage.
WIC covers exempt formulas for infants with documented medical conditions that require a formula different from the state contract brand. You will need a written medical justification from your baby's doctor. Submit it to your WIC agency for review and approval.
WIC provides a specified monthly quantity of formula based on your baby's age and whether they are fully or partially formula-fed. If you need more formula than WIC provides, you will need to purchase the additional amount out of pocket. Partially breastfed infants receive less WIC formula â increasing breastfeeding reduces the need for supplemental formula.
During the 2022 infant formula shortage, USDA FNS issued nationwide WIC flexibilities allowing states to temporarily approve additional formula brands, sizes, and types to help WIC families find available formula. States had discretion to implement specific policies. Contact your state WIC agency for historical details or if supply issues arise in the future.
