Healthy Start Coalition of Brevard: 321.634.6101
Brevard County, FL – In the face of the ongoing nationwide shortage of baby formula, the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions and its members are sharing guidance and resources to families struggling to keep their babies healthy. Coalitions are actively working with local and state partners to identify options for parents.
Recent reports indicate that 43% of the nation’s baby formula products are currently out-of-stock. The Healthy Start Coalitions recommend breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for babies, although they recognize that this is not an option for some families. Families should not water down formula mix, make homemade formula, or use animal milk or any milk alternative, as these can lack a proper nutritional balance and pose a risk to young children. The Healthy Start Coalitions are recommending that families who need to find formula look into the availability at smaller stores and pharmacies or try purchasing formula from reputable online sources. Families should check with their pediatrician about changing formula, or for any advice needed.
“We share the public’s concerns about the current nationwide shortage of baby formula, and we’re actively working with the Florida Department of Health, policymakers and community partners to help find relief for those affected,” said Cathy Timuta, Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions. “Our local Healthy Start Coalitions will continue to collaborate with local and state partners to help bring solutions to parents at this challenging time, and will provide local resources wherever possible.”
Timuta said families looking for additional information about best practices can find dependable, verified information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Locally, the Healthy Start Coalition of Brevard has identified the following resources for families:
Manufacturer Resources:
Abbott:
Store Locator: https://www.similac.com/where-to-buy-similac.html
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-986-8540
Customer Service: 1-800-227-5767, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST
A physician can submit an urgent product request by completing and submitting this form.
Gerber:
Store Locator: https://medical.gerber.com/storelocator/
MyGerber Baby Expert (www.gerber.com/mygerber-baby-expert) can connect you with a certified nutrition or lactation consultant by phone, text, Facebook Messenger, web chat, or video call, who can help you identify a similar formula that may be more readily available.
Mead Johnson:
Store Locator: https://www.enfamil.com/store-locator/
Costumer Service Line: 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123)
Florida Resources:
•Florida’s Family Health Line provides local referral services statewide. They can be reached by calling 1-800-451-2229.
•You may be eligible for Women and Infant Care Services (WIC) through the FloridaDepartment of Health. For more information on this resource, visit https://www.signupwic.com/.
•Contact your local food bank.
•Visit the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida (https://milkbankofflorida.org/)
•Local hospitals may provide education, support, and resources to assist families.
For local information, please contact the Healthy Start Coalition of Brevard at 321.634.6101.
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About the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions
The Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions is a network of statewide partners committed to bettering the lives of Florida’s babies and their families. Learn more at HealthyStartFlorida.com.
