How parents in the United States are fighting milk powder shortages

Across the United States, parents are looking for baby formula. They help each other through self-help groups and milk banks – but distrust is growing.

Pasteurized donations await breastfeeding recipients at the Refrigerated Milk Bank at the University of California, San Diego.

Gregory Bull / AB

Many baby food cabinets in the United States have been empty for months.

Kaylee Greenley Peel / Reuters

Standing in front of a playground on a mission in the Hispanic neighborhood of San Francisco, Kevin Ulloa grabs his 10-month-old daughter Kimberly and tries to give her a bottle of milk. In it he tells of the difficulties he had in milking. “Sometimes I drive around town to find a box of enfamil,” says Ulluo, who works around the corner at a Mexican restaurant. It’s been like this for months, but his daughter does not drink any other brand. $ 36 to $ 40 per pack; He was unable to create a large stock. At this time they have two more packs at home, which is enough for a week. What will he do if he cannot find fresh milk powder in time? ‘Then we try regular meals – rice, potatoes, eggs. What else should I do? “