Formula for Families in Need

As the country experiences a severe shortage, many families are facing the crisis of being unable to find the specific formula their babies need. This issue is affecting families across the United States, and is especially dire for those who receive public assistance or require more specialized formulas for babies with lactose intolerance and/or food allergies.

 

The baby formula shortage began when a factory in Michigan was shut down by the health department. The plant was shut down because the machines were not being cleaned, the roof was leaking, and the floor was flooded, among other issues. Babies were getting sick and dying, and this drastic measure was necessary to ensure more children weren't put in danger. Simultaneously, formula that was already distributed was recalled and pulled from shelves. With no new formula being produced, and existing stock recalled or unsafe, families began facing empty shelves.

 

Many families that are in need are currently using WIC. WIC can only be used on name brands, which are even harder to find at this point, and can only be redeemed with certain retailers.  In some areas access to these stores is almost non-existent, and the ones that are there have low or no stock. We are hearing heartbreaking stories from families that have had to hospitalize their children because there were no other options.

 

In more rural areas, there are food desserts which simply exasperates the problem. Many families have also been scammed by others selling formula online. These families are often using the last few dollars of their paychecks to buy formula that never shows up.

 

For the last several weeks, we have been sourcing and sending formula to more than 30 states. To date, we’ve sent more than 120 boxes (with anywhere from 1-5 containers of formula in each) and we are committed to continuing our work until the shortage has ended.

 

While we ask all families to reimburse the cost of the formula and shipping, many are unable to. We always send the formula anyway, as the health and security of the babies is much more important than the money involved. Donations from friends, family, and coworkers have allowed us to ensure that no family we talk to leaves empty handed if they are unable to pay.

 

In addition to the cost of the formula and shipping, we also pay for gas to and from stores all over the Bay Area (we’ve clocked well over 500 miles at this point), and packing materials (we drop off 10-20 flat rate boxes at the post office every day). We do not pass any of those costs on to families.

 

All of that said, we cannot continue to do this important work without monetary donations. To date, we’ve spent a total of close to $10,000 buying and shipping formula across the country. A large portion of that has been reimbursed, but not all.

 

We are graciously asking for any help you are able provide, either by donating directly or by sharing our page.