The City of Austin is partnering with a collaborative of organizations to provide information about the baby formula shortage, where families can get resources, information on available programs, and how individuals can donate and support these efforts.
Collaborating organizations include: Community Resilience Trust, Maternal Health Equity Collaborative, Giving Austin Labor Support, Austin Doula Care, Any Baby Can, El Buen Samaritano, Austin Area Urban League, and Gladiator Consulting.
“Families are being faced with the very stark reality that they don’t know where their baby’s next feeding will come from. Shelves are barren and driving across town to several stores is a choice that many vulnerable families do not have due to limited financial resources and transportation access. It’s a scary position for any parent to be in, and desperation is prompting some to resort to watering down formula and using substitutes that lack the proper nutrition babies need to stay healthy,” said Nakeenya Wilson, Interim Executive Director, Giving Austin Labor Support.
Separately, Austin Public Health is sharing long-standing resources for local moms along with information from Texas WIC about the recent formula recall that has contributed to the shortage. APH will also continue to serve eligible families through the Neighborhood Services Unit food pantries.
Because babies need a specific balance of nutrients, APH, WIC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics do not recommend making baby formula at home.
“Existing inequities are amplified during community crises, and working in silos leaves people out. Only by bringing multiple views together can we begin to fully address the gaps,” said Janis Bookout, co-founder of Community Resilience Trust. “We’re grateful to partner with so many amazing groups serving our most vulnerable families.”
Additional information is available here.
