Marcela Young, a Texas mom, has developed a crowdsourcing map to address a baby formula shortage.
After hearing about formula shortages, the mother of an 8-month-old baby put her plan into motion with the help of a former classmate. The map is titled “Fighting the Formula Shortage.”
“Just wanting to feed your child is one of the number one priorities,” said Young to KHOU 11.
The map allows users to place a pin on a map to identify a business that has infant formula in stock. It also lets people mark the map if they need baby formula or have some to donate.
“The idea is just to connect people, hopefully locally, but I know some moms are willing to go to the store, buy some and then ship it across the country,” she said.
Young’s Fighting Formula Shortage Facebook page and Instagram account feature more information on how to contribute.
Many other individuals in Texas are offering their support to parents who need formula.
The Dallas Express reported a Mansfield business owner is donating baby formula as the shortage continues.
Benji Arslanovski, the owner of restaurant Our Place, had the bright idea to order formula through his restaurant supplier and use social media to get the word out there.
Parents from all around North Texas came to the restaurant to pick up a can of formula and talk about the challenge of trying to locate it in stores.
“Oh God, there were so many people who needed it, especially new moms who are struggling to produce milk,” Arslanofski said. “I have three boys, so I can imagine what it’s like to be in that situation.”
Due to the overwhelming reaction, Arslanofski placed numerous orders, receiving shipments every day last week.
Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne has pitched in to help families in need as well. She created a website called DFWBabyFormula.com to bring the North Texas community together and crowdsource information, including which local retailers that have formula in stock.
Individuals can complete a brief form to add the details for businesses where formula is available.
The Biden administration also launched the HHS.gov/formula website, which features a list of services to assist families having trouble finding baby formula.
Manufacturer hotlines for Gerber, Abbott, and Reckitts are listed, as well as information on community resources such as the United Way’s 2-1-1 program, Feeding America, and the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.
