Helping Washington Babies Access Infant Formula During WIC Clinic Disruptions

While the Washington State WIC program has sufficient food funds to honor benefits through mid-November, some WIC clinics have temporarily closed or reduced operations due to federal funding delays. In these communities, it may be very difficult for low-income families to access the breastfeeding support and infant formula they need to nourish their infants.

Infant formula is often one of the most difficult items for food banks and baby pantries to provide. When families cannot afford enough formula, they may resort to diluting it or making unsafe homemade substitutes—both of which can put infant health at risk.

Because Nutrition First is a registered nonprofit with close partnerships across Washington’s WIC network, we are uniquely positioned to understand where the deepest needs are and to direct resources quickly and effectively. We work to identify the most accessible local community partners, such as food banks, baby pantries, and family resource centers, to support the safe and equitable distribution of infant formula in the areas most affected.

This is why Nutrition First has launched the Infant Nutrition Access Fund, an emergency effort to ensure that low-income families with babies continue to have the nutrition they need during this time.

Your support can make an immediate difference. Every contribution to the Infant Nutrition Access Fund is tax-deductible and goes directly toward purchasing and distributing infant formula to families in areas with reduced WIC access. If funds remain after services are restored, they will be used to meet the future nutritional needs of low-income families across Washington State. Together, we can help ensure that every baby in Washington has a healthy start.

Donate here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/SCP6YDPMWTHQJ