The resolution urges the federal government to establish a waiver program for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) that would allow states to authorize the purchase of alternative infant formulas during public emergencies. This initiative comes in response to the significant disruptions in the infant formula supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recalls, which left many parents struggling to find necessary nutrition for their infants. The resolution highlights the importance of providing WIC state agencies with the flexibility to adapt to such emergencies, ensuring that at-risk infants receive the nutrition they need.

Currently, WIC participants are limited to specific brands and formulations of infant formula due to federal contracting requirements. However, during the recent shortages, the USDA implemented temporary waivers to allow states to authorize alternative options. As these waivers are set to expire, the resolution emphasizes the need for a permanent program that would enable WIC agencies to quickly respond to future emergencies, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, including low-income families with infants.