What the Dissolution of Relationships with Infant Formula and Dietary Supplement Manufacturers Means

April 3, 2019

This blog post, stating NWA's policy on relationships with infant formula and dietary supplement manufacturers, was updated April 3, 2019, from the original text of September 12, 2016.

WIC is a federal public health nutrition program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Congress, the USDA, and State WIC Agencies establish policies that govern WIC and its operations.

The National WIC Association (NWA) is a nonprofit membership association that advocates for WIC and provides education and training to WIC staff. NWA does not promulgate WIC policy or have oversight of WIC.

This decision does not:

• make or change policy for the WIC program
• change WIC food packages. Mothers who need infant formula can still receive formula through the WIC program.
• prevent infant formula or dietary supplement manufacturers from advertising to moms and families

This decision excludes infant formula products and dietary supplements from being exhibited, marketed, displayed, promoted, or advertised at NWA webinars, conferences, or events.

This decision:

• is the most recent in a series of steps taken to align the practices of NWA with the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes
• was voted on by NWA voting members in May 2015 and was reaffirmed by vote in May 2016
• The NWA board of directors further endorsed this action and added dietary supplement manufacturers during its winter 2018-2019 board meeting