In a move that has left many Oklahoma families rushing to adjust, the state's Women, Infants & Children Program has announced a switch in the brand of baby formula provided to program beneficiaries starting in October, moving from Gerber to Similac. The Oklahoman reported that the changeover coincides with the expiration of the current contract with Gerber on September 30.
Families dependent on Women, Infants & Children, like Sara Tharp from Edmond and her 6-month-old son Owen, are feeling the pressure as they rely on the program to afford the costly formula necessary for their children's nutrition; "It's so hard being an American family and just living paycheck to paycheck and then having to purchase a $20 can of formula that's only going to last a few days," Tharp detailed in an interview with KOCO. This abrupt switch has stirred concerns among parents unaccustomed to the new brand, with infants possibly needing time to adapt to the change, though most should be able to do so without significant issues.
Oklahoma Women, Infants & Children has stressed that all infant formulas are subjected to stringent FDA standards, ensuring they meet the necessary nutritional requirements irrespective of brand. Both milk-based and soy-based options will continue to be available under Similac, which has been deemed the most comparable brand to Gerber. In a statement obtained by The Oklahoman, Amy Mauldin, Nutrition Services Manager of the Oklahoma Women, Infants & Children program, assured that "We understand the past few years have been challenging for families utilizing infant formulas," and committed to addressing any participant questions to support a smooth shift.
Additionally, Oklahoma's State Department of Health has preemptively provided resources to assist in this transition for concerned caregivers, setting up a formula transition guide available on its website for those seeking further guidance and support during this period of adjustment, as indicated by NewsOn6. Echoing the message of continuity despite brand shifts, these steps show the program's dedication to the welfare of its participants, while also enforcing cost-containment policies mandated for all Women, Infants & Children programs in the U.S ensuring taxpayer money is spent judiciously without sacrificing quality of care for the infants who depend these essential nutritional products.
