VDH offers advice for those facing baby formula shortage

Virginia Department of Health officials are urging those affected by the ongoing baby formula shortage to use only approved substitutions, consider breastfeeding, and consult resources on their website. Those in need should contact officials at the Henrico WIC office, who can identify or obtain sources of infant formula nearby.

Parents and caregivers seeking information are encouraged to visit a VDH blog, where they can find community resources like milk banks and food pantries.

VDH officials urged against the use of diluted or homemade formulas, warning they could have severe and fatal consequences for infants. Temporary formula substitutions can be found on the VDH website, and parents and caregivers are encouraged to speak with their pediatrician about safe and appropriate feeding alternatives.

VDH officials advise those intending to buy formula to:

• purchase only a 10-14 day supply, as stockpiling will only exacerbate the shortage;
• call ahead to stores before traveling to see if they have formula;
• consider buying formula online, but only from well-established distributors and; pharmacies within the U.S., sinceforeign ones may not be FDA compliant;
• check smaller markets and drug stores when others are out of stock.

Department officials recommended that mothers who have the ability to lactate transition to breastfeeding, whether that entails switching from partial to full breastfeeding or relactation.

The VDH discourages the purchasing of formula by people who intend to donate it. Leaving products on the shelves, officials have said, makes it easier for families that need it to find it.

To ease the shortage, the US Department of Agriculture issued three waivers to Virginia WIC offices that grant additional flexibility.

The first waives regulations that mandate monthly maximum allowance for the distribution of infant formula provided to those infants receiving Food Packages I and II only. This allows participants to receive alternate container sizes – including those that are bigger than usual – and different forms of formula, like ready-to-feed.

The second waives a regulation that requires medical documentation for the issuance of non contract brand infant formula. The third waiver allows vendors to exchange recalled formula purchased with WIC benefits for “identical” products of the same size and brand.

Wednesday, the Biden administration’s “Operation Fly Formula” will deliver FDA approved formulas from manufacturing facilities abroad to a Nestle distribution facility near Allentown, Pennsylvania. The shipment, which will provide 1 million 8-ounce portions of Nestle brand formula, may begin reaching Virginia shelves in the coming days.

WIC participants can contact the Virginia WIC website, call the VA WIC Help Desk (877-835-5942) or contact their local WIC office.