Times Weekly, staff
The IDHS and USDA Food & Nutrition service are asking Illinois retailers to set aside some of the formulas they receive for low-income families enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. A shortage of formula and other products, partly a result of the pandemic have added to a supply chain issue. The IDHS has created a help line and caseworkers have been trained to assist families with formula questions at 1-800-843-6154.
The Helpline is designed for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and WIC customers primarily but is open to all residents of Illinois. “The ongoing formula shortage has brought undue stress into the lives of new parents, and my administration will do everything in our power to help families maintain access to formula,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’ve partnered with our suppliers and continue to ramp up our support centers to ensure our residents, especially low-income families, have what they need to care for their babies.” State public health officials are urging families to purchase a modest supply of formula during the shortage, which is expected to ease in the coming weeks,” said IDHS Secretary Grace B. Hou.
Abbott, the maker of the formula has established a request line for patients and caregivers seeking access to formulas: 1-800-881-0876. For more information, visit www.DHS.Illinois.Gov/BabyFormula
