(WXYZ) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Service has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to change its policy on the donation of unused, returned formula.
Effective May 31, the revised policy allows Women, Infants and Children (WIC) agencies to donate unused, returned formula to a local non-profit organization. However, the policy does not allow unused, returned formula to be reissued to WIC clients, due to USDA restrictions.
In February 2019, MDHHS implemented a policy revision that disallowed both re-issuance of unused, returned formula to WIC clients and donation of formula to food pantries or shelters. That revision came after guidance from USDA.
“Stakeholders expressed valid concerns over this change and MDHHS began consulting with the USDA about revising the policy,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “The new policy complies with USDA regulations, acknowledges stakeholder concerns and responds to the significant challenges and access barriers our families face.”
In some cases, WIC clients find the formula they received is not tolerated by their baby. In order to receive a reissuance of formula benefits, clients must return the unused formula to their local WIC office. Some WIC offices in return donate the formula, and it can be an important source of nutrition for families using food banks.
