“The nationwide infant formula shortage has caused unimaginable pain and anxiety for families across New York — and we must act with urgency,” Mayor Adams said in a statement. “This emergency executive order will help us to crack down on any retailer looking to capitalize on this crisis by jacking up prices on this essential good. Our message to struggling mothers and families is simple: Our city will do everything in its power to assist you during this challenging period.”
“The nationwide infant formula shortage is hurting parents and families across our city at a time when we’re all still reeling from the crisis of the past two years,” said Deputy Mayor for Health & Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “This executive order will ensure all of our agencies can use every tool in their toolkit to get infant formula to those who need it and make sure our youngest New Yorkers stay.”
“As the national baby formula shortage is playing out locally, we are using the tools available to us to protect consumers and working families,” continued Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “The actions we are taking with this emergency declaration and executive order sends a clear message to any unscrupulous actors that may try to take advantage of this situation: not in New York City.”
According to new data from Datasembly, the nationwide baby formula scarcity is becoming worse by the day. In the first week of May, the national out-of-stock percentage peaked at 43 %.
While some formula shortages first appeared late last year as a result of the pandemic, they’ve intensified in recent months as a result of problems with Abbott Nutrition’s supply chain, product recalls by other American manufacturers, and inflation.
New Yorkers overcharged more than 10% can now submit a complaint directly with DCWP either online at nyc.gov/dcwp or by calling 311 and saying “Overcharge.”
“We encourage any New Yorker who sees significant price increases in infant formula to report it to 311,” said DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga.
“We know that shortages in critical goods often affect our city’s most vulnerable, especially those New Yorkers and their families who rely on city services,” said DSS Commissioner Gary Jenkins.
“DSS will work collaboratively with partners on the city, state, and federal level to meet the need for infant formula and fill any supply gaps, especially for those with the greatest level of need.”
MOFP Executive Director Kate MacKenzie ended the statement saying, “While the shortage is playing out on a national scale, we know that the pain is being felt acutely at the local level — and we will do everything in its power to provide meaningful relief for New York City families who are struggling to find affordable, accessible formula.”
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