New infant formula contract selected for Michigan WIC program

August 20, 2026 - 03:23

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has officially selected Mead Johnson as the new infant formula supplier for the state's WIC program. The contract, which takes effect later this year, will replace the current provider and applies to all WIC participants across Michigan, covering standard milk-based formulas for infants up to twelve months old.

State officials say the decision followed a competitive bidding process that weighed cost, availability, and nutritional consistency. Mead Johnson, which produces Enfamil, will now be the primary brand offered through the program, though specialty formulas for babies with medical needs will still be handled separately. The change is expected to save the state several million dollars annually, though exact figures were not released.

For families enrolled in WIC, the switch means their vouchers and electronic benefit cards will list Mead Johnson products instead of the previous brand. The department says it will send clear notices to all participants before the transition, and local WIC clinics will have staff on hand to answer questions. Health officials also stressed that the formula meets federal standards for iron content and other nutrients.

Some parents may worry about switching brands mid-infancy, but pediatric experts note that standard formulas are largely interchangeable. The department advises families not to stockpile old formula, as the new supply will be widely available at authorized retailers. The contract runs for five years, with an option to extend. Michigan joins several other states that have recently moved to Mead Johnson under similar cost-saving agreements.