The New York State and City Department of Health is actively monitoring nationwide infant formula shortages.

Many formulas are out of stock. In an effort to meet current demand, many stores are limiting the amount of formula customers can purchase at one time. It is important that families don't hoard formula, which will further impact the supply chain and other families in their community.

For families struggling to find the formula they need for their baby, the Department recommends the following:

Do:

• Reach out to your health care provider for guidance.
• Follow the formula manufacturer’s preparation and storage instructions.
• Find a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) store that may have formula in stock.
• Visit smaller stores and drugstores that carry formula. Call first to see if they have formula in stock.

Do not:

• Do not make your own formula at home using recipes from the internet.
• Do not water down formula to make it last longer
• Do not use formula for toddlers if your baby is younger than 1 year old.
• Do not use cow’s milk unless your baby is older than 6 months and uses regular formula.
• Do not buy formula online from people you don't know on social media sites, online auctions, or overseas.

Learn about resources for New York families during nationwide infant formula shortages.

Get contact information for your local WIC office.

You can report WIC fraud, including:

• Reporting false income, household size or pregnancy to become eligible to participate in WIC
• Enrolling at more than one local WIC agency
• Buying or selling WIC checks
• Altering WIC checks
• Giving away WIC checks

Learn more about reporting WIC fraud.

You can submit reports of WIC fraud by email or phone.

By Email

foodfraud@health.ny.gov

By Phone