State rolls out webpage to assist parents in looking for baby formula amidst shortage

The nation-wide baby formula shortage has created panic among parents of young babies, and state and federal governments have taken steps to help in recent days.

The Vermont Department of Health set up a webpage to share information about baby formula recalls, tips on what to do during a shortage, locations of grocers and pharmacies around the state that sell formula and other resources.

Baby formula producer Abbott Nutrition recalled seven formulas and closed the nation’s largest manufacturing plant in February which, added on top of supply chain issues, caused a national shortage of formula.

Baby formula 101: Everything you need to know during the baby formula shortage

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If a baby is on a specialty formula, parents can call an Abbott Nutrition hotline at 1-800-881-0876.

On Thursday, May 19, Congress passed a bill that will expand mothers’ access to formula who are on the Women, Infants and Children government assistance program. WIC normally only covers specific brands of formula but the bill passed Thursday will allow WIC recipients to buy whatever formula is available with their benefits.

President Joe Biden also invoked the Defense Production Act on Wednesday to speed manufacturing of formula and authorize imported formula from other countries.

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Another option for Vermont parents in need of food for young babies is breast milk from the Vermont Donor Milk Center. Babies need a prescription from a pediatrician to access breast milk from the center.

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Parents with questions about how to feed their baby can call their local state health office. Phone numbers to offices can be found here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/local

Contact Urban Change Reporter Lilly St. Angelo at [email protected] Follow her on Twitter: @lilly_st_ang

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont infant formula: Shortage prompts state, federal governments to help