Parents in New York and across the United States are struggling to find infant formula at pharmacies and department stores. The empty shelves are due to problems in supply chains coupled with a massive recall of these products for food safety reasons.
The shortage is compounded as few companies supply almost all of the supplies from the United States. According to Datasemblya data analytics firm, 40% of department stores nationwide are out of stock, up from 31% in mid-April.
More than half of states have out-of-stock rates between 40% and 50%, according to Datasembly, which analyzes data from 11,000 stores.
In the face of shortages, the New York State Department of Health is boosting the distribution of infant formula, diapers and baby supplies, including for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants.
WIC offers food assistance to women, infants and children regardless of their immigration status.
- Pregnant women and up to six weeks after the birth of the infant, or the end of pregnancy, benefit.
- Postpartum women could receive help for up to 6 months after the birth of the infant or the end of the pregnancy.
- Nursing women may be able to get help until the infant’s first birthday.
- Infants may qualify up to their first birthday. Children could qualify up to their fifth birthday.
Open here for more details on the requirements to benefit from the WIC program.
On February 17, the FDA warned consumers not to consume certain powdered infant formula products from Abbott Nutrition’s facility in Sturgis, Michigan. By then, Abbott initiated a voluntary recall of certain products, exacerbating the shortage of infant formula.
The FDA notes that it has been working with Abbott and other manufacturers to bring safe products back to the market and increase the availability of specialty and infant formulas.
“In close coordination with our federal partners, New York State will continue to do everything we can to support New York families in need of formula for their babies,” Governor Hochul said in a statement.
“My administration is committed to ensuring that all newborns and children have access to the nutritional support they need to stay healthy. I urge all parents and guardians to take advantage of these resources and stay up-to-date with important information to care for their families.” .
Hochul said his office has increased communication with formula manufacturers to monitor can size production, supply and shipments.
The New York State WIC program has been successful in helping participants obtain needed formulas through alternative stores with formulas in stock, while also coordinating with manufacturers to get formula to families when they can’t find it online. local stores.
New York WIC participants should contact their local agency for help locating products when needed.
HOW TO RECEIVE IMMEDIATE RESPONSE?
Via Wanda, the chat system of the Department of Health. New Yorkers can receive direct, personal online navigation assistance to access WIC.
Call to 311 in New York City or 800-522-5006 for more information about WIC.
Open here to find one WIC office in your area for in-person help.
HOW CAN I QUALIFY FOR THE WIC PROGRAM?
You can receive the benefits of the WIC program if you meet these four requirements:
- Must be
- A pregnant woman of any age
- Babies and children under five
- Mother of a baby up to six months old
- A mother who breastfeeds her baby for up to one year
- You must reside in the state of New York, but you do not have to be a United States citizen.
- You must meet the income guidelines or be receiving food stamps, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
- Your medical or nutritional needs must be evaluated by a WIC health professional to determine what benefits are available to you.
- Complete it WIC preselection guide USDA online to find out if you qualify.
FOR FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO FIND THE FORMULA THEY NEED FOR THEIR BABY, THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING:
In an effort to meet current demand, many stores are limiting the amount of infant formula customers can purchase. It is important that families do not stockpile formula, which will have a greater impact on the supply chain and other families in their community.
- You can call your OB/GYN or baby’s medical provider to see if they have samples of formula in the office or if they can suggest a similar formula that may be more readily available in stores and is nutritionally similar to meet your baby’s needs .
- Switch to another brand or type of formula that is available, if recommended by your baby’s medical provider.
- Families on WIC should check the state site to find a list of approved providers that may have formula in stock.
- Visit smaller stores and pharmacies that sell formula. You may want to call first to see if they have formula in stock.
- Look online for available options, but be sure to order only from reputable distributors and pharmacies. Don’t buy formula online from people you don’t know on social networking sites, online auctions, or abroad.
- Check the lot code on the formula you already have to make sure it hasn’t been recalled. Do not throw away formula that was not part of the recall, unless it is expired.
- Be sure to follow the formula manufacturer’s preparation and storage instructions.
- Don’t use toddler formula to feed babies.
- Do not dilute the formula or try to make infant formula at home.
People are encouraged to consult with a provider about breastfeeding the baby. The New York State WIC Program also provides breastfeeding support and resources to new families. Families feeding a baby human milk from a source other than the baby’s mother should only use milk from a source that has screened its milk donors and taken other precautions to ensure the safety of its milk.
The Department of Health shares the FDA’s recommendation that families should not prepare formulas at home and encourages caregivers to work with their health care provider for recommendations on how to change feeding practices, if necessary.
As New York families search for alternative sources of formula, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection has issued an alert reminding parents to be on the lookout for online scams and unscrupulous sellers who may try to take advantage of the situation.
Caregivers can also read the latest from the FDA here.
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