KINGSTON – As the nation faces a shortage of infant formula, Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan and Catholic Charities shared a list of resources for parents who are struggling to find formula to feed their babies.
A number of local non-profits have available supplies of infant formula and can also refer parents to other resources. Additionally, participants or eligible residents can reach out to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at the Ulster County Department of Health.
“As the parent of a young infant, I understand how stressful this situation can be. That is why we are working with Catholic Charities and our local nonprofits to make sure that all parents know where they can find baby formula, if it isn’t available at their regular source,” Ryan said. “I am optimistic that with the help of our robust non-profit network and steps recently taken at the Federal level, we will get through this moment. I want to thank Catholic Charities for springing into action to help our residents and for their consistent leadership in our community.”
“Proper nutrition is essential to a baby’s health and development and for many young families this includes access to baby formula. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted 1,046 households with baby essentials, including formula. We’ve seen firsthand the challenges marginalized and vulnerable families face providing their infants with necessary nutrition – and this has been exacerbated by the shortage,” said Shannon Kelly, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster.
Available resources for those struggling to find infant formula include:
- Your pediatrician, who may be able to provide advice on other formula brands that may be suitable for your infant or may have a supply of formula in office.
- The following non-profits, who are currently accepting and distributing formula:
- Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster – 6 Adams Street, Kingston, NY 12401, 845-340-9170 ext. 3000
- Maternal Infant Services Network – 70 Lindsley Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, 845-762-6948
- Family of Woodstock – 31 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, 845-331-7080
- Ulster Immigrant Defense Network- 30 Pinegrove Ave, Kingston, NY 12401, 888-726-7276
- For participants of or those eligible for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, the county health department program is reachable at (845) 340-3965. WIC provides infant formula as well as lactation support for program participants. County health department WIC staff can also screen individuals who are not currently enrolled in the program.
