Nationwide infant formula shortage a concern for Fresno health officials. What to know

Health officials in Fresno County are keeping watch on what has become a growing concern for new parents across the U.S.

Why is it so hard to find baby formula?

“We have heard from clients who are struggling with the formula shortage,” said Stephanie Buelna, assistant director with Fresno Economic Opportunities’ WIC program, which provides assistance for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or post-partum.

For months, manufacturers of baby formula have been struggling to keep up with normal supply and just this week the shortages became bad enough to get response from both the FDA and White House.

In Fresno County, WIC has been able to help locate formula for clients and is working with the state WIC program to make additional formula available.

“It appears the formula situation is starting to get better with some of our specialty formulas,” Buelna said.

WIC is also asking clients to call in if they have trouble finding formula in stores, “so we can be made aware of supply chain issues.”

So far, Valley Children’s Healthcare has been able to source suppliers and continues to provide the more specialty formulas for children in its hospital and those who receive supplies through its home care services.

Valley Children’s also is “keeping a close eye on the supply chain and on how long plants will be down,” the hospital said.

Formula recall, shortages

The shortages come after months of similar shortages at pharmacies and supermarkets caused by the disruptions and stockpiling caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated by a recall at Abbott, one of the nations largest manufacturers of infant formula. The company was forced to closed down its largest manufacturing plant in February.

Nationwide, about 40% of large retail stores are out of stock, up from 31% in mid-April, according to the AP.

More than half of U.S. states are seeing out-of-stock rates between 40% and 50%. As a result, stores like CVS and Walgreens have been limiting the amount of formula a person can buy.

The Fresno EOC reminds parents to be aware of the possible purchase limits and suggests calling the store in advance to see if they have any stock left. If possible, WIC also suggests buying formula well before you actually run out.

Those using WIC may consider purchasing generic brands, using Cal-Fresh or their own money once WIC benefits have been spent for the month. Those benefits cannot be used to purchase generic formula.