Funding Criteria: Medically Necessary Nutrition

We provide financial support to ensure that every child can receive the specific formula or nutritional supplement prescribed by their medical team. This includes, but is not limited to, formulas used for conditions such as dysphagia, failure to thrive, food protein allergies or intolerances, malabsorption disorders, metabolic conditions, and tube feeding (enteral nutrition). Support may also include thickening agents and other prescribed additives required for safe swallowing or adequate calorie intake.

If a medically necessary formula is commercially available, The ARK Foundation will purchase the product directly from a verified supplier and have it shipped to the patient’s home to reduce financial and logistical burdens on families.

• Formula will be purchased and supplied in three-month intervals to accommodate frequent adjustments in nutritional needs as infants grow.
• Families may request additional formula support near the end of each three-month period if ongoing medical necessity is confirmed.
• Each family with an infant under one year old may re-apply for formula assistance up to four times within a twelve-month period.

• For children with stable, long-term nutritional needs, The ARK Foundation may provide formula support for up to one calendar year.
• To prevent waste due to expiration, formula may be distributed in bi-monthly intervals.

If a prescribed formula is not commercially available through standard suppliers, The ARK Foundation will issue direct financial support to the family, allowing them to purchase the specialized nutrition directly from a medical provider, compounding pharmacy, or manufacturer.

• Hypoallergenic formulas (e.g., amino acid-based or extensively hydrolyzed formulas)
• Metabolic or elemental formulas for conditions such as PKU or mitochondrial disorders
• Enteral tube feeding products (for G-tubes, NG-tubes, or J-tubes)
• Oral rehydration or supplemental calorie products prescribed for chronic illness recovery
• Thickening agents for dysphagia or aspiration risk management
• Specialized formulas for children with malabsorption, eosinophilic esophagitis, or other complex feeding challenges