Parents across the United States are expressing concern over the acute shortage of infant formula in many parts of the country and the subsequent price spikes. A recent report noted that inventories of infant formula were down 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels and that powdered formula was becoming extremely hard to find in many urban areas. The shortage has resulted in frustrated parents having to travel long distances to find formula or switch to different products for their infants.
A couple in the San Francisco area with a 10-month-old went to nearly a dozen different stores and were not able to find Similac or Similac Pro Advance. After driving as far as an hour away to find liquid Similac, the couple was forced to switch to a different product for their son. A couple in the Orlando area reported a similar experience when searching for Enfamil for their 10-week-old son, who was born prematurely.
The shortage has led to price spikes, with some parents reporting that the cost of formula has doubled or even tripled in recent months. Many parents have taken to social media to express their frustration and concern over the situation.
The cause of the shortage is unclear, but some have speculated that disruptions in the supply chain due to the pandemic may be to blame. Others have pointed to the increasing demand for formula in China, which has led to a surge in exports and a subsequent shortage in the United States.
The shortage and price spikes have raised concerns about the affordability and accessibility of infant formula, especially for low-income families. Some advocates have called for government intervention to ensure that parents have access to affordable and safe infant formula.