Abbott Nutrition’s factory in Michigan—the largest formula producer in the U.S. which produced Similac and other products—shut down in February after four infants fell ill and two died after consuming formula produced at the plant.
Abrams said infants with allergies and special needs as well as low-income families are disproportionately impacted by the shortage.
Up to 75% of U.S. caregivers partially depend on formula for infants 6 months old and under, according to a May 25 congressional memo.
Diana Flores, community engagement coordinator for Austin’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, said the city can help families find alternative formula options.
“Before, families were only able to get the Similac brand with their WIC card,” Flores said. “With the shortage, the Texas WIC program expanded the options.”
Austin’s WIC program runs a Facebook group called ATX Family Care, Flores said. Local moms use the group to find stores where formula is in stock.
Flores also encouraged mothers to visit Mom’s Place, a city-run lactation center open to all Austin residents.
The center can provide lactation consultants and registered nutritionists, and dietitians can provide formula alternatives.
Some families have sought donated breast milk in the wake of the shortage, turning to Facebook groups such as Human Milk 4 Human Babies, where women can donate milk or offer wet nursing services for free.
Austinite Katie Crandall became a donor in the group’s Texas chapter last November. She donates to four area families and provides about 80 to 100 ounces of milk each time.
“If you’re a donor, you make a post in the group saying, ‘This is who I am; this is how much milk I have to offer.’ You disclose any medications you’re taking and your COVID-19 vaccination status,” Crandall said.
Breast milk donated informally is not accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, and Abrams said he “strongly discouraged” receiving breast milk from strangers but said each family will make an individual decision.
Overall, the shortage exposed changes needed in the formula supply chain, Abrams said.
Abbott restarted some production at its Michigan plant in the first week of June, after reaching an agreement with the Food and Drug Administration to reopen the plant May 16.
“It will get better,” Abrams said. “But we need to make sure the supply chain is much more robust than it is right now.”
Formula solutions
As baby formula continues to be scarce, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services is providing families with alternative formula suggestions for Similac—previously, the only formula covered by Texas WIC and one of the scarcest formulas due to the factory that shut down.
Similac Advance 12.4 oz.:
Enfamil Infant
Gerber Good Start Gentle
Baby Advantage at H-E-B
Nestle Nan Pro 1
Parent’s Choice Infant at Walmart
Parent’s Choice Advantage at Walmart
Similac Alimentum 12.6 oz.:
Comforts Hypoallergenic Powder at Kroger
Baby Hypoallergenic Powder at H-E-B
Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic Powder at Walmart
Tippy Toes Hypoallergenic at Brookshires. Prescription required
Similac Total Comfort 12.6 oz.:
Enfamil Gentlease
Enfamil Reguline Powder
Gerber Good Start SoothePro
Parent’s Choice Gentle at Walmart
Similac for Spit-Up 12.5 oz.:
Enfamil AR
Similac EleCare:
Contact your doctor to determine the best alternative for your baby. Prescription required
For a full list of alternatives, visit www.texaswic.org/about-wic/special-wic-food-updates.
Editor's note: This story first appeared in Community Impact Newspaper's annual health care edition.
