The Infant Formula Shortage: Information and Resources

As the infant formula shortage continues in the US, many families are struggling to access the products they rely on to feed their babies. The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) wants our local families and residents to be aware of available resources.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) recommends the following resources:

• USDA Infant Formula Safety website contains critical messages for consumers on infant formula safety and links to other helpful government resources.
• Questions and Answers for Consumers on Infant Formula – FDA question #12 addresses homemade infant formula.
• Powdered Infant Formula Preparation and Storage – This page links to CDC guidance on preparing infant formula.
• Is Homemade Baby Formula Safe – This is an informative American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) web article on homemade formula.
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – A webpage published by the Illinois Department of Human Services with information on how your county’s WIC program can potentially assist with additional resources during this shortage.

The Moultrie County Health Department also reminds you:

1. The WIC program assists pregnant women, infants, and children in meeting their nutritional needs. WIC provides supplemental food resources and nutrition education to program participants.
2. Check the lot codes on any formula you already have to ensure it was not part of the Abbott Nutrition recall of products in the Similac, Alimentum, and Elecare formulas. If the formula has codes identified in the recall, do not use it. Notify the place where you purchased the formula and obtain a refund.
3. Pediatric healthcare providers may be able to provide formula samples for their patients. They may also be able to recommend a nutritionally similar formula available in the local or regional area.
4. Smaller stores and pharmacies may have stock available, and calling beforehand can streamline the search. Local food pantries & discount grocery stores may also be a resource.
5. Look online for options from well-recognized infant formula distributors and pharmacies. Avoid purchasing formula online from unknown individuals on social media or auction sites.
6. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advises against watering down formula or attempting to make homemade infant formula, which may not be safe or meet an infant’s nutritional needs. The AAP offers excellent advice for families at healthychildren.org.
7. Hoarding formula will further impact the supply chain and exacerbate the stress of the shortage on the entire community. Inventory your formula supply. Use all on-hand formula, starting with the nearest “use by” date first.

The MCHD encourages you to contact our office at (217) 728-4114 for more information on the WIC program and other services we provide. We will continue to follow the infant formula situation and keep our public updated as new information and resources are available.