By Dan Murphy
When Westchester mom Ali Curran saw a major shortage of baby formula across the county, she took action. The result is a Facebook page Westchester Formula Finders, that helps moms find baby formula and has 1,300 members in less than 10 days of activity.
Curran from Valhalla, and the mother of an 8 month old said that the feeling for most moms not knowing if they can find formula for their newborn, “feels extremely scary. For me I feel OK, because I have friends and family who can help. I feel badly for people who don’t have that social network. It’s scary and it makes you nervous as a mom to feel like you won’t be able to have what your kid needs.”
So far, the response has been positive, and helpful, to mothers in need. “We have had a number of exchanges and good information from our members, with many donating or offering what they paid for formula,” said Curran.
The Facebook group is moderated by Curran and Jennifer Lynch, a neonatal nurse practitioner at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. Lynch, who brings a wealth of healthcare experience, and knowledge of the current shortage, reminded members to check and make sure that products are samples are not outdated or part of a recall.
“The challenge has been getting the actual product in the hands of people that need it, especially the people who don’t have the resources to be driving around all day looking at different stores for what they need,” Curran said. “It’s been heart-warming, really lovely to see how people have stepped up for each other and gone out of their way and taken their time to say they have it or people are dropping formula at each others’ houses. It’s lovely, but it’s really sad that there’s a need. We’re just trying to help fill that gap.”
NY State Attorney General Letitia James has issued a warning to stores overcharging for formula, and Curran said the members of Westchester Formula Finders are also on the lookout for price gouging. “Our group is very active, and will be reporting any violations.” She added that the price of formula depends on the size of the powder or liquid, so even a powder can with a $64 may be in the normal price range.
Some of the photos on the Facebook page, which can be found at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/406479904681788, include cases of formula at the Costco in Yonkers, and at other pharmacies. If you keep a watchful eye on the page, you can find available formula.
Curran said that so far, there has been no resolution to the shortage that can be found on the shelves in Westchester. “We have seen the initial panic buying go down, but there is still a severe shortage in formula.”
“Anyone needing help finding formula, or affording to pay for it should reach out to their local community, either their church or school or pediatrician to see if they can help. Or reach out to our group. Thankfully, there are people who are willing to help. Anyone can help by taking a photo if you see formula available at your local grocery or pharmacy. And parents should be aware that they can change formula if they can only find one of the major brands available at no health risk.
The Town of Yorktown and the Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner have set up locations to make a donation. In Greenburgh Town Hall, you can drop off any formula you can.
