The baby formula shortage is getting better, but there is still some need in the Inland Empire.
For example, the Moreno Valley Women’s Health Center hosted a diaper and formula drive-thru last month to aid parents affected by the nationwide baby formula shortage and continues to give away the items.
Center Director Kianna Power said that, after receiving a large donation of formula and diapers from churches, the organization decided to give them to the community.
The center, a pro-life, Christian organization that serves as a pregnancy and family resource center, opened in March 2021.
The shortage can be attributed to supply-chain issues resulting from the pandemic, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The problem was heightened when Abbott Nutrition, one of the country’s largest formula producers, recalled formula and shut down one of its production facilities.
Abbott reopened its infant formula plant after its February closure, but shut down production less than two weeks after reopening due to severe weather and flooding.
To aid the shortage, the Biden Administration is importing about 1 million pounds of baby formula from Mexico as part of its Operation Fly Formula to get overseas formula to store shelves faster, the White House reported.
Two additional flights, one from Australia and another from the Netherlands, will bring in the equivalent of 4.3 million 8-ounce bottles of formula this week, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Health and Human Services recommends those who need formula contact the nearest Community Action Agency. There are two in the Inland Empire:
Xiomara Henriquez-Ortega, a spokesperson for the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino, said there isn’t a major local need for baby formula. The agency receives formula, but is unsure when the next shipment will arrive.
Another resource for parents is United Way’s 211, a free service helping North Americans find the resources they need. The service also helps people meet basic needs such as housing, food, transportation and health care.
For information on the Moreno Valley Women’s Center, call 951-616-9619 or visit healthcentermv.org/
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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