RESOURCES
Guidance for Families seeking Baby Formula
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The national baby formula shortage has greatly impacted families in our communities, so the Maryland Women's Caucus sought to create an outlet for parents to crowdsource formula sightings and also do an inventory check in real-time. -> https://wcformula.com/
This website helps ensure that ALL families have the resources to locate available formula. If you are shopping and see formula, please take a quick moment to let parents know by adding the info to the tracker.
Please help us share this project widely so that we can help out as many families as possible throughout the state!
Maryland Department of Health has released guidance for families seeking baby formula during national shortage. The Maryland WIC Program has expanded allowable sizes, brands, and types of formula available with WIC electronic benefits, which are used to purchase infant formula in local retail stores. In addition, MDH is in contact with formula manufacturer Abbott Nutrition to monitor the supply and shipment of formula to Maryland.
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MDH recommends the following for families in need of formula:
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If you are a Maryland WIC participant, contact your local WIC office for assistance locating products or making changes to your WIC food benefits.
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If you are not a Maryland WIC participant, visit the Maryland WIC website to learn how to apply, or call your local WIC office (or 1-800-242-4942) to find out if you are eligible for benefits.
General guidance:
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Do not dilute infant formula. Adding extra water or other liquids to infant formula can be dangerous and life-threatening for babies, leading to serious nutritional deficits and health issues.
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Do not use homemade formulas. Formulas made at home often lack the critical nutrients that babies need.
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Use a different brand or type of formula if available. For most babies, it is OK to switch to any available formula. Call your child’s health provider if you have questions.
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If feeding a baby with human milk from a source other than the baby's mother, you should only use milk from a source that has screened its milk donors and taken other precautions to ensure the safety of the milk.
Specialized formulas:
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If your baby needs a special formula, your child’s health provider can advise you on a comparable formula to use.
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If you are still unable to find a speciality formula, contact a manufacturer’s hotline:
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Gerber’s MyGerber Baby Expert
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Abbott’s Consumer Hotline: call 1-800-986-8540
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Abbott’s urgent product request line: Ask your OBGYN or your infant’s pediatrician to submit an urgent product request by downloading and completing the form - PDF
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Reckitt’s Customer Service line: call 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123)
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Breastfeeding resources:
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National Women’s Hotline: 1-800-994-9662
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National WIC Program/United States Department of Agriculture
For more information, families can visit the American Academy of Pediatrics or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Covid Vaccines & Testing
AACo Testing Sites - Find a COVID-19 testing site within AACo.
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Free Take-Home Testing Kit - AACo is working with the MD Department of Health and private partners to procure an additional 200,000 tests as quickly as possible. Stay tuned for updates.
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Maryland Vaccination Finder - Search and find where you or someone you know can get a COVID-19 Vaccine.
Food Distributions & Resources:
Anne Arundel County Interactive Map - Find pantries, soup kitchens, and clothing banks that are near your address using this interactive
mapping tool.
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Food Access and COVID Care Warm Line -For a one-stop information hub connecting residents to comprehensive nutrition resources and COVID impact initiatives across the county, call 410-222-FOOD (3663) Monday-Friday, 8 AM-6 PM or email: food-access@aacounty.org.
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Small Business & Employment Assistance:
MSBDFA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund - A MSBDFA Fund that provides emergency financial relief to businesses that have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
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Maryland Financial Incentives for Businesses - A database of all financial programs and incentives offered to Maryland Businesses.
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Anne Arundel American Job Centers - Maryland's American Job Centers - Provides a full range of assistance to job seekers and businesses looking
to hire.
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Arundel Workforce Development Corporation Supportive Services - Provides a variety of career counseling and services designed to help you find your next job.
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