Mississippi News
More formula options approved for WIC recipients amid formula shortage
Mississippi WIC program adds new baby formula options amid national shortage
The Mississippi Department of Health announced on Wednesday that the state's Women, Infants and Children's Nutrition Program (WIC) is adding new baby formulas to its approved product list to improve access amid the national formula shortage.
Typically, only four types of formula can be purchased with WIC benefits in Mississippi unless an infant gets an exemption through a medical diagnosis. Now, eight additional Enfamil formulas have been added to the list.
The new formulas will be available until Aug. 31. A list of the newly approved formulas can be found here.
There were 84,000 women, children and infants who participated in WIC in Mississippi in 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Two additional policy changes were also announced that aim to help WIC participants who use medically prescribed formulas or have purchased formulas that have been recalled.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) waived the requirement for medical documentation to be provided before WIC participants are allowed to change the medical formula their child is prescribed. Instead, they will be able to call the clinic they use to change to another formula that is currently available in stores.
“Nationwide manufacturers' shortages means we, too, are experiencing constraints in our ability to order medical formula,” Jameshyia Ballard, Director of Vendor Management at the state health department, said in a press release. “These new options for WIC participants are being used to help meet the needs of families.”
FNS has also provided the WIC program with a waiver that will allow people to return any recalled formulas directly to the store they purchased them from in exchange for cash back, store credit, or another formula product.
The baby formula shortage is having a major impact in Mississippi, which has the second-lowest rate of breastfeeding in the nation.
Supply-chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic are one cause of the formula shortage. Manufacturers are struggling to obtain certain ingredients, and labor issues have affected distribution.
The shortage was heavily exacerbated by the recall of three major baby formula brands manufactured by Abbott Nutrition after a probe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found bacterial contamination at one Abbott facility in Sturgis, Mich. At least four babies were hospitalized and two died after consuming contaminated formula, the Food and Drug Administration said. That facility, which is estimated to produce one-fifth of the U.S. baby formula supply, has been shut down since February.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
CMSD Superintendent explains why new school bond is needed
SUMMARY: Columbus Municipal School District is in need of upgrades to improve student learning and safety. A $36 million school bond will focus on facility upgrades, safety, security, academics, and sports. Superintendent Dr. Ellis believes these upgrades will benefit students for years to come. House bill 1341 allows military families to choose any public school in the state, strengthening the relationship between the school district and the air force base. The school bond will be completed in 3 phases and requires a 60% majority to pass. City voters will decide on May 14th. Overall, the goal is to create a conducive environment for student learning and support military families.
The post CMSD Superintendent explains why new school bond is needed appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Warming up, with a mid-week rain chance – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: There will be a chance for mid-week rain in Columbus, Mississippi due to a stalled front, with warmer air moving in by Friday bringing temperatures into the low to middle 80s for the end of the week and weekend. Tuesday night will be mostly clear with temperatures in the low to middle 50s. Wednesday and Thursday will see a weakening front bringing showers in the afternoon with temperatures in the upper 70s. The weekend will bring much warmer air with highs in the 80s on Friday and Saturday, while a slow-moving cold front may bring showers on Sunday evening.
The post Warming up, with a mid-week rain chance – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Track star tells state senators it’s time for change at the MHSAA – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: Andrew Brown, a high school student and talented runner, received a proclamation from Senator Chad McMahan for his athletic achievements. Brown spoke on the Senate floor, highlighting the need for student-athletes to have opportunities to compete nationally without being penalized. The Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) ruled against Brown for breaking a rule, and McMahan has called for a hearing to investigate the situation. Brown's family hopes for reform within the MHSAA organization. McMahan has sent a letter to the MHSAA requesting clarification on various rules and has given them thirty days to respond. The Browns have chosen not to pursue further legal action.
The post Track star tells state senators it's time for change at the MHSAA – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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