The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced that six new baby formula flights are set to land in the U.S. this week as a part of the Fly Formula Operations. The Fly Formula Operations is an on-going government initiative to help alleviate the stress of the baby formula shortage.
Recently, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced in a press release that the operations will import approximately 8 million, 8-ounce bottle equivalents of infant formula to the United States during the week of July 11.
“I know parents all across the country are worried about finding enough infant formula to feed their babies,” President Biden said in a video statement that was posted to Twitter on May 18 in regards to the Fly Formula Operations.
He continued, “As a parent and as a grandparent, I know just how stressful that is.”
I’m taking two new steps to increase baby formula supply:
– Invoking the Defense Production Act to increase domestic production
– Launching Operation Fly Formula to use federal planes to fly formula in from abroadWe're making sure safe formula gets to all who need it. pic.twitter.com/lnkxsaCY6T
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 18, 2022
According to the press release, the Fly Formula Operation flights will have completed 48 flights and imported more than 55 million, 8-ounce bottle equivalents of infant formula by July 17.
The first scheduled flights traveled from Switzerland and Germany to Newark Liberty International Airport on July 11, carrying Nestle Alfamino/Alfamino Jr. infant formula and Nutricia/Dannone Neocate Jr. infant formula. On July 12 and 14, further flights will arrive(d) from Singapore to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. These flights were carrying Enfamil infant formula powder.
On July 13, a flight from the United Kingdom to Newark Liberty International Airport, will carry Nutricia/Danone Neocate infant formula.
The last flight, on July 17, will arrive from the United Kingdom to John F. Kennedy International Airport, carrying Kendamil Classic and Organic infant formula.
“These formulas have been prioritized because they serve a critical medical purpose and are in short supply in the United States because of the Abbott Sturgis plant closure,” stated the White House in a previous statement.
So, just what can parents do who are struggling to find and secure baby formula for their infants?
Well, parents can check out the Free Formula Exchange for helpful resources in their areas. Additionally, parents can consult their health care providers for immediate needs.
