Baby Formula Shortage: Where To Find Help In Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The infant formula shortage is affecting parents all over the country and New Jersey has been among the most heavily impacted states, according to Datasembly.

With little relief in sight for parents impacted by a widespread shortage of infant formula, Morris County shared a few resources available to families struggling to feed their children.

The nationwide shortage has rapidly worsened since February, following a massive recall of Abbott baby formula, including vital products covered by benefits from the "Women, Infants, and Children" program (WIC).

Officials warn that it could be several weeks before production returns to normal.

According to the retail tracking firm Datasembly, nationwide "out-of-stock" rates for baby formula reached 43 percent in the first week of May, and the Garden State has been among the most heavily affected states by the shortage.

Here is a compiled a list of resources from which Morris County residents can obtain formula:

• Check smaller stores and drug stores or buy online from reputable distributors and pharmacies.
• Contact manufacturers directly:
  • Gerber's MyGerber Baby Expert: reach a certified nutrition or lactation consultant by phone, text, Facebook Messenger, web chat, or video call, who can help you identify a similar formula that may be more readily available.
  • Abbott's Consumer Hotline: call 1-800-986-8540
  • Abbott’s urgent product request line: ask your OBGYN or your infant’s pediatrician to submit an urgent product request by downloading and completing the form.
• Check out community resources:
  • NORWESCAP is the local Community Action Agency. It serves multiple counties, including Morris.
  • Some accredited milk banks are distributing donated breast milk to mothers in need; please note that some may require a prescription from a medical professional. Here is the closest HMBANA-accredited milk bank to Morris County: The New York Milk Bank.
  • United Way’s 2-1-1: dial 2–1-1 to be connected to a community resource specialist affiliated with United Way who may be able to help you identify food pantries and other charitable sources of local infant formula and baby food.
• WIC-Eligible Families:
  • WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, is a program offered by the federal government for low-income women and children up to age 5. Find out if you’re eligible for WIC benefits.
  • If you get WIC benefits, contact these Morris County WIC program sites to get help find nearby sources of infant formula:
    • Saint Joseph Medical Center WIC Program: wic@sjhmc.org
    • St. Margaret Church, 6 Sussex Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960: (973) 754-4575
    • Boonton United Methodist Church, 626 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005: (973) 754-4575
    • Zufall Health Center, 18 West Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ 0780: (973) 754-4575
• Food Pantries:
  • If you require formula but do not otherwise qualify for federal programs such as WIC or have exhausted other options such as your local pediatrician's office, contact your local food pantry or the Interfaith Food Pantry Network to see if they have formula available.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against making homemade formula because many recipes may be deficient in nutrients or contain ingredients that are harmful to babies.

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