BOSTON – A nationwide shortage of baby formula is dragging into the summer, even as the White House Operation Fly Formula Company is importing thousands of pounds of it from abroad.
On Monday, Delta airlines delivered batches of Kendamil formula from London Heathrow Airport to Boston Logan Airport. A similar delivery will be made to Chicago.
In total, the White House said 212,000 pounds of Kendamil formula will be imported into the US from abroad between June 20 and June 24, the sixth voyage of Operation Fly Formula and as part of in the Biden Administration’s strategy to combat shortages.
Many consumers say they have yet to feel the shortages ease.
According to market research firm IRI, about 24% of infant formula was out of stock nationwide last week. This compares with about 22% last week.
“It’s an extra layer of stress in a time that’s already unresolvable,” said Sarah Muncey, co-chair of Neighborhood Village, a nonprofit that supports childcare centers in Massachusetts. .
Muncey said the formula shortage has not subsided, but consumers are realizing more.
“They started building things like free recipe exchanges and recipes through churches, synagogues and mosques,” says Muncey.
Braintree’s new mom, Kelly Hilcoff, said the formula shortage had added to her family’s worries. Her 11-year-old son, Benjamin, receives formula through a feeding tube due to a medical condition.
“It’s called Avoidable Restricted Food Consumption Disorder, so it was really hard for him to take food by mouth, so he ended up with a feeding tube because he wasn’t gaining enough weight,” says Hilcoff. ,” said Hilcoff.
Benjamin has had to switch formulas three different times since shortages began leaving Kelly worried about her ability to tolerate the changes.
“We were able to change and be able to roll with it but every time they send us a new recipe you’re not sure if it gives him a stomachache,” she says, “it’s definitely worth it.” afraid and every month you’re not sure if you can get what your child needs.”
