The formula shortage is getting so dire that many people, companies, and websites are now stepping up to help hundreds of thousands of parents in need.
One website, in particular, connects people in need of formula to people who have the formula to donate.
Scroll on to find out more…
Amid the formula shortage, many moms have spoken out to share the struggle they’ve been facing with the lack of formula.
And since then, companies have spoken out about what they can do to help.
Nestlé is planning on increasing the production of formula here in the U.S. as well as flying extra from elsewhere, specifically from Switzerland and the Netherlands to help deal with the shortage.
The move came after the Food and Drug Administration proposed that overseas manufacturers should enable shipments to America.
And Switzerland was our best bet, as they are the world’s third-largest producer of baby formula.
As well as increasing production, Nestlé is also prioritizing the brands, Gerber Good Start Extensive HA, and Alfamino, being imported.
This is because these specific formulas are safe for babies who are allergic to the protein found in cow’s milk.
And the shortage has been particularly difficult for babies with allergies, making it almost impossible for parents to find the right formula for their children.
The shortage is reportedly due to the pandemic and the supply chain issues COVID-19 brought, in turn slowing down the production of baby formula.
The plan to import while the shortage is at its worst comes from the Biden administration‘s plans to alleviate what has become a dire problem all across America.
Formula factories are running overtime to ensure demand is met, with the hope the shortage will come to an end soon.
This will surely come as a relief to struggling parents.
But, that isn’t all…
Because a website now connects people in need of formula with those who have the formula to donate.
The website, Freeformula.exchange states: “We got you, fam,” hopefully helping many parents out there feel a sense of relief as they try to get their hands on formula for their children.
“The Free Formula Exchange is a nationwide mutual aid network connecting families who need baby formula to people who have the formula to donate,” they state.
And what’s better? It’s a free website to use, making it accessible for all.
How does it work? You may be wondering…
Well, heading to the site, you’ll be able to select one of two choices, either requesting to get formula or donating it.
“Feeding our babies is a human right,” the site states. “Cost should not be a barrier to feeding our children. This is a mutual aid platform and no paid transactions are permitted between formula seekers and providers. We’re exchanging humanity, not dollars.”
Who set this tool up? Keiko Zoll, a mom, writer, and non-profit professional.
The mom said that she had to do something about the shortage when she heard of the exhausted moms out there.
“I was listening to this episode of the Post Reports podcast while driving and had to pull over because I couldn’t stop crying listening to the stories of exhausted, overwhelmed mothers just trying to keep their babies fed. It made me think about when my son was a preemie and how he needed expensive, hard-to-find specialty formula after breastmilk wasn’t enough to help him thrive,” she said.
And so, she decided it was time to act.
“America does a terrible job of supporting parents. Outraged by the fact that our nation is headed towards revoking a person’s right to choose parenthood when and how they want it, learning that we can’t even keep babies fed right now was just too much for me. I needed to do something,” she continued.
Already, many people have taken to the site to leave their reviews…
Kristen from Pennsylvania said that it has given her “peace of mind.”
“I have a two-month-old baby girl. Finding the right formula for her has been a struggle. This platform gave me such peace of mind and reassurance knowing people were there to help,” she said.
Mayra from Illinois said that her “interaction” with her donor was “super polite.”
Amanda from Massachusetts said that she’s “grateful,” after being stressed out.
“I am one stressed-out mom just trying to keep her baby fed, and you have warmed my heart and made me feel so grateful that there are people like you in the world.”
For more information or if you want to be a donor or are in need of a donation, click here.
We certainly do need more people like Keiko Zoll in this world, that’s for sure.