Baby formula

March 2023

October 2022

Texas WIC Formula Changes Take Effect Oct. 1

2022-10-05T19:50:18+00:00October 1st, 2022|Categories: Baby Formula, Grocery Services North, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |

On Oct. 1, Texas WIC’s new formula contract went into effect.

Texas WIC’s contract for milk-based formulas has switched from Abbott Laboratories, the makers of Similac, to Mead Johnson, the makers of Enfamil products. The new contract is only for milk-based formulas. All other formula products remain unchanged. 

“All WIC participants receiving standard milk-based infant formulas will be transitioned to Enfamil products for benefits beginning October 2022,” according to a statement from Texas WIC.

There is a Mead Johnson product equivalent for every Abbott Laboratories product.  

If you haven’t already discussed this change with your local WIC office, contact them at your earliest convenience. 

“The WIC program is required to have a contract with one specific formula company to help keep costs down. We renew the contract every 5 years. The award for the contract from October 2022 – September 2027 for milk based formula is Mead Johnson, the makers of Enfamil. The soy-based formula will continue to be with Abbott, the makers of Similac,” according to a statement from Texas WIC.

September 2022

March 2022

Limited Supply of Similac Advance In Stock

2022-03-22T20:19:21+00:00March 23rd, 2022|Categories: Baby Formula, Texas WIC, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , |

Grocery Services North currently has a limited stock of Similac Advance Powder baby formula.

Because of the Abbott formula recall, we know finding formula is difficult. To help as much as possible, we want to let our customers know that we currently have it in stock, but this supply may not last.

To ensure we still have formula before you visit, you can call a location near you to confirm it is still available. Find our locations and phone numbers here.

February 2022

RECALL ALERT: Check Your Formula

2022-03-16T19:43:35+00:00February 18th, 2022|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, Child Health, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , |

The FDA has announced a voluntary recall of Similac products (including Total Comfort, Spit Up and Sensitive). Consumers can check the bottom of their baby formula for the information below:
 
The products under recall have a multidigit number on the bottom of the container starting with the first two digits 22 through 37, contains K8, SH, or Z2 and with an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or after.

HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR FORMULA IS RECALLED

To find out if the product you have is included in this recall, visit similacrecall.com and type in the code on the bottom of the package, or call +1-800-986-8540 (U.S.) and follow the instructions provided. If you have questions about feeding your child, contact your healthcare professional.
 
Check back for updates.

January 2021

WIC Milk

2022-03-16T15:04:46+00:00January 11th, 2021|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, Child Health, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , , |

Today Is National Milk Day

Let’s Celebrate Milk

Today, Jan. 11th, is National Milk Day, we celebrate milk – your first drink.  Milk in all forms provides an array of vitamins and nutrients for babies for more than their first few years. So let’s celebrate milk, in all of it’s forms – breastmilk, formula and dairy milk.  It is believed that National Milk Day commemorates the day the first milk deliveries in glass bottles began in the United States.   Milk from mom is likely the first place you ever get milk.  Nutritionists at Texas WIC want mother’s to know the importance of breast milk.  (more…)

December 2020

Explore Stages of Baby Food, Feeding

2022-08-26T10:28:13+00:00December 14th, 2020|Categories: Baby Food, Baby Formula, Child Health, Texas WIC|Tags: , , , , , , |

Steps of Baby Feeding, 1-2-3

There are not many moments more rewarding than the first time you feed your baby. From the first feeding until they are throwing food on the floor in protest, your baby will go through several stages at mealtime. We have gathered pointers from experts, including WIC Texas, as a guide. No stage is predictable; no child is the same. Every parent has to take cues from their child and their physician to determine the best feeding practices. There are a few certainties. One of them is your child will go through several stages of eating in the first year.

BREASTFEEDING

Your first experience feeding your baby will likely be at the hospital. You will likely have help from trained professionals to advise and guide you about the best methods and techniques.  Every mom will have their own experience with breastfeeding. Some will nurse with ease for years. Others will have a harder time. Luckily there are free resources to help guide you along the way. We think one of the best resources is Texas WIC.  Experts at Texas WIC encourage mothers to breastfeed as long as possible. That’s because it’s both healthy for the baby and the mother. Texas WIC has created breastmilkcounts.com website that has everything you need to know about breastfeeding. There is even a hotline for WIC clients to call for breastfeeding support, 855-550-6667. To see if you are eligible to enroll, apply online or visit an area WIC clinic today.

FORMULA FEEDING

Even though breastfeeding is highly encouraged, not all moms are able to feed this way. Your little one still has to get nutrients to grow. Since babies are not allowed to try cow’s milk before age 1, formula is how your baby will get all the nutrition they need. There are many baby formulas on the market, including specialty prescription formulas for babies that have allergies or digestive issues. Talk to your child’s doctor about which one is best. You may need to try a few to find the right one. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions. They are not all the same. Mixing them properly is very important for the safety of your baby. Texas WIC offers these guidelines for mixing formulas.  Texas WIC clients can pick up their baby formula at any Grocery Services North, a grocery store chain that offers primarily WIC foods. They carry a large selection of baby formula and even prescription baby formulas. You can find a list of products online.  You can visit a  location near you, or schedule a time for pickup. Staff is also very knowledgeable about the WIC program and can help answer your questions. 

BABY FOOD & WIC

This is where it really starts to get fun. Once your baby is ready (your baby’s doctor can confirm when your little one can start sampling), they will start exploring new tastes and textures. It’s just as much fun for parents to discover what their little ones like and don’t like.  Aren’t sure if your baby is ready to move to the next stage? Texas WIC provides an outline online to help you recognize important baby milestones and signs your tot might be ready. Around 6-months old (confirm your child is ready with their doctor or a Texas WIC nutritionist), your baby may be able start trying purees. As they get older (around 9 months, but confirm with your doctor), they might be able to try foods that are soft and easily mashed. Scrambled eggs, soft fruits like bananas and avocados, steamed veggies or even homemade hummus. Once your baby starts trying foods other than breastmilk and formula, you will need to be on the lookout for possible reactions from food allergies. Some of the common allergies are soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, dairy, wheat or nuts (peanut butter for example since babies should not eat whole nuts because they may choke). Texas WIC offers great guidelines on signs your baby has a food allergy. It’s important to always watch your child while they eat in case they choke. Be prepared in the event they need help.  Guiding your baby through the various stages of eating will be a joy to watch. Enjoy the process!

TEXAS WIC CAN HELP WITH BABY FOOD

The WIC program is free for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and their children up to 5 years old. It’s designed for mothers to help their kids get a healthy start. WIC participants are able to take home free nutritional food, enroll in free nutritional classes and visit WIC-approved clinics. To find out if you qualify visit an area clinic near you or apply online.