Feeding Hungry Babies

Ohio responds to Formula Scarcity

Like many of you, we have heard about the formula supply chain problems and the resulting scarcity. While we believe strongly in supporting breastfeeding moms, the reality is that is not possible in every case. Our philosophy: fed is best. 

Some infants, be they those who are in an adoption or foster care placement, babies with medical needs, babies whose mothers need to supplement feedings, babies whose mothers work in places that can or do not accommodate breastfeeding need formula. When formula is not available - be that because manufacturers stop producing, when store shipments are held up, when stores don't have employees to stock the shelves, moms and dads who use formula worry. We know that this problem disproportionately affects rural families, those living in or near poverty, and single moms at a disproportionate level; not only are these families more likely to rely on formula for feeding but they are also less likely to be able to drive to multiple stores if their formula is not available. For many infants, especially those with specialty formula needs, caretakers can't just swap out formulas. For families receiving supplemental nutritional assistance in programs like WIC (Women Infants Children), participants are generally limited to brands and sizes set by state formularies. 

We know that this is an issue for families. We are encouraging everyone to contact their Congressional and US Senate representatives about the problems you are facing to ask them to put pressure on the administration to resolve the problem. 

We have also reached out to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine via the Ohio Department of Health to learn what the state of Ohio is doing. The Ohio Department of Health has been and is actively addressing the issue. Here are some of the things they are doing: 

• Working with stakeholders like WIC programs, USDA, retailers, formula manufactures to minimize the shortage
• Daily tracking of participant and clinic inquiries related to WIC difficulties
• Adding flexibility and substitutions for WIC participants
• Weekly contact with formula manufacturers about shortages and shipment updates - information that is shared.
• Local WIC staff have been asked to work closely with clients
• Communications to local WIC providers and healthcare providers about shortages and products

We have asked for clarification if there is further work being done to address the entire community or if state coordination extends only to WIC. Once we have clarified, we will update this post. 

Further, ODH is recommending that families impacted by the shortage 

• DO NOT dilute formula
• Do NOT give juice, milk, or water instead of formula
• Do NOT make homemade formula
• DO call ahead to ask about product availability
• DO consider asking a store associate if there is any in stock
• DO contact your physician or pharmacy for help if you need assistance, especially with specialty or medical formula

We have also reached out to other organizations including pregnancy help centers to gauge what the are hearing from clients, what formula (if any) they are able to distribute, and if they or any clients are interested in helping to speak to local reporters to highlight the problem. 

We spoke with one mom earlier this week who did an interview with the Ohio Statehouse News Bureau's Jo Ingles about this issue. 

We want to continue helping - if you are a local family struggling to find a formula or if you are willing to speak with a reporter or a legislator about the problems you are facing, please let us know so that we can a) attempt to help, b) help emphasize the severity of this problem, and c) continue to raise awareness of the problem. 

For those who may have seen online recipes for homemade baby food, please consider reading this article  that discusses the dangers of homemade formula. If you are not sure you trust the physician in the article, we also recommend this piece that talks to Dr. Meg Meeker, a trusted voice in the pro-life and medical community. 

If you need some help or if you want to become an advocate, please use this form to send us your contact information (the responses will be emailed to us, they will not be posted in the comments, unless you use the comment section to respond).