RE: WIC and formulas.  Cathy, you are right.  The USDA has approved the
added rice formula for inclusion in WIC but it does vary stat by state as to
what formulas are on their Authorized Foods List.  We in Ohio have not
added it yet but if enough physicians request it then we may be
compelled to add it.  That's what happened with Lactose free cow milk
based formulas.

In response to the question about doing away with free formula.
Someone has to pay.  If not the families or insurance then the hospital.
Formula is not a free food.  No one else in the hospital gets free food.
Insurance pays for the surgical patient's food.  In my experience there is
nothing given free in the hospital except formula donated by the industry
as a marketing ploy.   Insurance should be required to pay for this food
the same as it pays for steak and potatoes.  OR it can be the one to tell
mothers that they will have to purchase their own formula if they choose
to formula feed.  Also, WIC does not supply formula in the hospital only
after the infasnt is discharged.

Ann Twiggs, Ohio WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator