Can't find your baby's formula? 'Formula Fairies' are helping parents during shortage
"Formula Fairies" are helping Long Island parents in need during a national baby formula shortage. Credit: AP/David J. Phillip
Watching Long Island moms scramble to find formula to feed their infants broke Kristin Marie McDonough’s heart, but it also gave her an idea.
The Merrick mom of two started the Facebook page “Formula Fairies” as a way for people to share information about where to find baby formula. In less than a week, the page has racked up close to 500 followers with more being added every day.
Members post photos and tips on where they spot formula, which has been in short supply due to a recall and other issues. The recall of some powdered formulas manufactured by Abbott Nutrition in a Michigan plant started in February after it was believed they were linked to bacterial infections in infants. The halt in production and recall of formula added to existing problems in distribution due to supply chain issues.
McDonough, 39, said she based the page on the concept of “wine fairies” — a Facebook group of women who surprised each other by leaving bottles of wine and other treats outside their homes during the early days of the pandemic.
“It was just great and I thought maybe we could do something like that with formula,” she said. “People could keep a look out while they are shopping and maybe pick it up or drop them off for people.”
For the most part, people who pick up the formula usually are paid for providing it for another member. But for some women, just having some good information on where to find formula is priceless.
Nicole Wolff, 36, of West Islip, who has a toddler and an infant as well as two older stepdaughters, said she is not able to pack up her kids and hunt for formula at different stores. Her daughter needs Similac Pro Advanced formula, which has been difficult to locate.
“I’ve been able to see what’s in stock at what stores and where,” Wolff said of the group. “It cuts down on time.”
After another Formula Fairies member told her where to find the formula in Riverhead, she was able to have it picked up.
“It’s definitely stressful,” she said of the continual search for formula.
Some of the page members are mothers of older children and even grandmothers who want to help. They post photos of store shelves and locations, outlining which formulas are available. In some cases, they purchase the formula and then resell to people on the page. In others, the formula is put on doorsteps for pickup and given away for free to moms in need.
“A few of my friends went on Amazon and ordered cases that are going to be here in four to five weeks,” McDonough said. “I’m going to try to set up a day and do a formula drive. I just felt like I had to do something, being a mom.”
Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.
