A nationwide shortage of baby formula has rocked the nation in recent weeks, causing retailers to ration the available supply and parents to scramble. The shortage has been the result of supply chain issues, compounded by the recall of products made by Abbot Nutrition and the shutdown of its Sturgis, Michigan, facility.

North Dakota is one of five states most affected by the shortage, with over 50% of the state’s supply sold out at the end of last week.

With the shelves of retailers like Walmart, CVS and Target growing barer by the day, contingencies have had to be taken to prevent runs on the supply they do have. A Target representative said they are adjusting to the supply constraints by having purchase limitations for online orders, while other retailers are doing the same for in-store purchases. Parents are encouraged to avoid hoarding and to maintain a 10-day to two-week supply in their home.

In the meantime, production of formulas is being ramped up at facilities around the country and politicians are making their moves to address the issue. It may be tempting for parents to utilize recipes for homemade formula, but the Food and Drug Administration has reported that they may not be safe or provide all the necessary nutrients typically found in the genuine article. All that the public can do is circle the wagons and maintain.

Between empty shelves and exorbitant prices found on marketplaces like eBay, parents have had to get creative as they try to maintain their supplies and feed their children. Some have turned to social networks to coordinate purchases in other states, and many are having to turn to Facebook groups and parenting forums to find generosity in their own communities.

Here in the Magic City, the Minot Area Community Foundation has joined forces with Project BEE to make a push to collect donations for area families coming up short in their search of necessities. A donation trailer will be in the Project BEE parking lot at 205 3rd Ave. SE, from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until May 20. Development Associate Alyson Heisler said as long as the products are in date, they will be accepted for donations.

The public can drop off diapers, formula and other baby supplies, with all the donations going towards Project BEE’s Dakota Diaper Pantry, which is available to anyone in the community regardless of their financial situation. Those seeking help from the program can find an application at www.projectbeend.org/dakota-diaper-pantry.

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