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For families, buying the necessities for a baby can be tough, especially these days. Diapers are perpetually expensive, and baby formula is in short supply.
One Central New York organization is working to address this problem.
The CNY Diaper Bank mostly focuses on diapers, but over the last year, it's started collecting formula, too. The bank is asking for unopened and unexpired formula leftover from their family to donate it, so someone in need can feed their baby.
“We have not been able to purchase formula in the past couple of months, so our shelves are empty," founder and Director of CNY Diaper Bank Michela Hugo said. "We haven’t been able to distribute any formula, other than formula that gets donated to us."
Hugo said there is WIC assistance available for formula, but the brands they are required to buy aren’t on the shelves.
The CNY Diaper Bank recommends parents that are having trouble buying formula to talk to their pediatrician about available supply. If that doesn't help, parents can call Help Me Grow 211.
“It's a crisis for anyone, any baby that’s being formula-fed, but especially for low-income and families in poverty, who were struggling before this shortage,” said Hugo.
For those searching for formula online, the state Division of Consumer Protection recommends checking to see if the product has been recalled; taking precautions when buying through a social media website; and avoiding fraudulent websites.
The bank is running a Mother’s Day match campaign during the month of May. The first $10,000 donated through the end of the month will be matched.
It distributes 150,000 to 200,000 diapers each month. Since they opened in 2016, it has helped parents obtain six million diapers.
As prices rise at grocery stores, another growing issue is buying diapers. There’s currently a state bill in committee that would remove taxes on diapers, making it more affordable for parents.
Hugo urged people to contact their state legislator to support Senate Bill S8456.