Breast milk banks, hotlines and more: Kansas City resources to navigate the formula shortage

Kynala Phillips
·4 min read

There is still no end in sight for the ongoing baby formula shortage in Kansas City, with a citywide out-of-stock rate of powdered baby formula of more than 49%, according to data analysis firm Datasembly.

Last week, President Biden urged manufacturers to increase production, and he called on the Federal Trade Commission to make sure pricing is fair on formula for families in need.

The national formula shortage is due to recent voluntary recalls from manufacturer Abbott Nutrition and other factors like inflation. However, manufacturers are now reporting an increased production up to 50%, according to a statement from the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

However, until those efforts to increase supply set in on the local level, the shortage continues to be a harsh reality in communities across the country, including here in Kansas City.

How stocked are stores around Kansas City?

Between April 24 and May 1, the out-of-stock rate for baby formula in Missouri went from 43% to 49%. In the same time frame in Kansas, that number jumped from 43% to 50%. For context, the out-of-stock rate for both states was well under 20% at the very beginning of 2022.

Staff at local stores like the Walgreens at Linwood Boulevard and Prospect Avenue say they don’t have any formula in stock and have had trouble since the shortage became prominent a few weeks ago. Currently, there is a limit of three cans per transaction at Walgreens nationwide.

Stores like the CVS on Independence Avenue are also dealing with the shortage by giving customers a three can limit per day on baby formula as well.

Some local CVS and Walgreens locations receive shipments weekly or biweekly, but staff at all the locations that The Star contacted said that even the shipments coming in are fairly low on formula.

Resources for navigating the shortage

To help families adjust to the shortage, HHS released some guidance and resources that may be useful to families.

Manufacturer hotlines

  • MyGerber Baby Expert is a hotline that can help with nutrition, lactation and other topics related to baby formula.

  • Abbott Nutrition, which manufactures brands like Similac, has a customer hotline at 1-800-9686-8540. There is also an urgent product request line, where your doctor can submit an urgent request for formula. Visit here to learn more or have your health care provider fill out this form or call 1-877-293-9145.

  • Reckitt, which is behind brands like Enfa, has a customer service line that can be reached at 1-800-BABY-123 (222-9123).

Milk banks

The formula shortage has also left some families interested in Milk Banks. Milk Banks are essentially donation centers for breast milk, and they help connect families in need to safe and credible milk donations.

If you are interested in donating or receiving donated breast milk in the Kansas City area, here is a fact sheet on milk banks from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition.

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America is a more national resource that can also connect you to breast milk. You can find a nearby milk bank associated with the organization by visiting here.

Connect with nonprofit organizations

There are a number of organizations in the Kansas City area that might be able to help you if you need formula. HHS suggests that families reach out to Community Action Agencies (CAA) like the Community Action Agency of Greater Kansas City, which may be able to connect you to organizations that might have formulas in stock. You can reach the CAA of Greater Kansas City by calling 816-358-6868 or visiting their website here.

United Way’s resource hotline is also an option. Families can just call 2-1-1 and be connected to a local resource specialist that can connect you to pantries that might have formula in stock or other kinds of baby food.

Lactation specialists

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services also suggests that families consider re-lactation if they can’t find baby formula. If you think that’s a route that could work for you, try contacting a local lactation specialist.

The University of Kansas Health System offers breastfeeding support. Visit here or call 913-588-1227 to learn more.

For more resources check out this quick guide on how to navigate the baby formula shortage here in Kansas City.