Bipartisan legislation allows Arizona families using the WIC program to access more brands and types of infant formula
WASHINGTON – The President signed into law the Access to Baby Formula Act – bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten that increases the types of infant formula available for Arizona families utilizing the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program.
The Sinema-backed law comes as Arizona families continue facing infant formula shortages, and families using WIC benefits currently only have access to a limited number of infant formula brands or products. This new law increases the ability of WIC programs to respond to the needs of the families and children they serve when there is an emergency, disaster, product recall, or supply chain disruption.
“Current infant formula shortages are unacceptable. Our law increases options for Arizona families struggling to find formula, but more must be done. I’ll continue focusing on solutions to ensure Arizona families’ health and safety, get formula on grocery shelves quickly, and increase access for Arizona parents and babies in need,” said Sinema.
Almost half of all babies born in the United States receive nutritional support through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, including access to formula. In light of the ongoing shortage, ensuring that WIC families can continue to access to baby formula is critical. The Sinema-backed Access to Baby Formula law expands the types of brands and formulas covered under the WIC program, so Arizona families in need can get any infant formula available on the shelves.
Sinema also recently wrote a letter calling on the Administration to appoint a White House coordinator to work with infant formula manufacturers and develop and implement a national strategy for addressing the current infant formula supply chain crisis and preventing future shortages.