Changing Your Child's Food Package

Beginning October 1, 2007 Utah County WIC clinics will provide certain Similac formulas. In situations where another formula is needed a Formula and Food Authorization Form is required from your doctor or other qualified medical professional. Utah WIC does not allow low-iron formulas.

The reason for providing one brand name is due to contracting and rebates. This allows WIC to better stay within budget and help more people. There are many different formulas that are considered to be safe for infants.

The following formulas are under current Utah WIC contract and do not require a Formula and Food Authorization Form:

• Similac Advance
• Similac Sensitive
• Similac Sensitive R.S.
• Similac Go & Grow (for infants 9-12 months of age)
• Isomil Advance Soy
• Similac Go & Grow Soy (for infants 9-12 months of age)

If a child over the age of one needs to continue on formula or a supplement, a Formula and Food Authorization Form is required.

Utah WIC requires a Formula and Food Authorization Form from a doctor or other qualified medical professional if a non-contract formula or supplement is needed. When a Formula and Food Authorization Form is required by WIC, it must include all of the required information, already included on the form:

• Date Formula and Food Authorization Form was written
• Name of individual needing non-contract formula or supplement
• A diagnosis, or reason why non-contract formula or supplement is needed (ICD-10 Code required)
• Length of time the non-contract formula or supplement will be needed. The Formula and Food Authorization Form can be written for up to 6 months before a new Formula and Food Authorization Form is required.
• Quantity of non-contract formula or supplement needed
• Signature of doctor or other qualified medical professional

What Foods Do Utah WIC Clinics Provide?

Utah WIC clinics provide food vouchers each month that are redeemed in local grocery stores to buy nutritious foods. WIC approved foods include:

• Cheese
• Dried beans or peas
• Eggs
• Iron-fortified cereal
• Milk
• Peanut Butter
• 100% juice
• Iron-fortified infant formula
• Carrots, for exclusively breastfeeding mothers
• Tuna, for exclusively breastfeeding mothers
  

Different food packages are issued to different clients to help meet their needs. You may receive different foods depending on if you are breastfeeding or not. A woman, infant, and child will each receive different food packages. A WIC nutritionist will determine which food package you will receive.

What if I Have a Food Allergy or Need Changes to the Foods Utah WIC Clinics Provide?

In some situations, a special food letter may be issued to you to allow you to get foods that are not part of the regular food packages and not listed on the food card. These changes may be possible if a person:

• Has a food allergy or intolerance
• Has inadequate growth
• Has a medical or nutrition condition that requires different foods
• Is homeless
  

A WIC nutritionist will help you know if you are eligible for different foods. If you are eligible you may receive a different food package, a Special Food Letter, or you may need a prescription for certain formulas or foods.

Utah WIC requires a Formula and Food Authorization Form from a doctor or other qualified medical professional if a non-contract formula or supplement is needed. The Formula and Food Authorization Form is required to include the following information, already included on the form:

• Date Formula and Food Authorization Form was written
• Name of individual needing special formula or supplement
• A diagnosis, or reason why special formula or supplement is needed (ICD-10 Code required)
• Length of time the formula or supplement will be needed. The Formula and Food Authorization Form can be written for up to 6 months before a new Formula and Food Authorization Form is required.
• Quantity of special formula or supplement needed
• Signature of doctor or other qualified medical professional