New Jersey Senate Bill SR130

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/7/23
• Refer: 12/7/23
• Report Pass: 12/14/23

Caption

Urges federal government to establish WIC waiver program allowing states to authorize use of WIC benefits to purchase alternative infant formulas during public emergencies.

Impact

If enacted, SR130 would encourage the USDA to create a permanent waiver program that provides WIC state agencies with the authority to quickly allow the purchase of a broader range of infant formula options during public emergencies. This change could improve WIC participants' access to necessary nutrition when specific products are unavailable, thus supporting healthy development in infants and children. The resolution reflects the growing recognition of the importance of state-level adaptations in response to national supply chain disruptions.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 130 (SR130) urges the federal government to establish a WIC waiver program that allows states to authorize the use of WIC benefits for purchasing alternative infant formulas during public emergencies. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by participants in New Jersey's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the pandemic, where shortages of infant formula severely impacted their ability to meet infants' nutritional needs. It emphasizes the need for flexibility in times of crisis to ensure that at-risk children receive adequate nourishment.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SR130 revolve around the future of federal and state control over food assistance programs. While supporters argue that the waiver program is crucial for providing immediate relief during emergencies, critics may raise concerns about the ramifications of granting increased flexibility to state agencies. There may be apprehensions regarding the quality and safety of alternative formulas purchased under such waivers, ensuring that at-risk populations are not inadvertently put at greater risk under less stringent purchasing guidelines.