The Central Virginian: Spanberger calls for game plan to address baby formula shortage

THE CENTRAL VIRGINIAN

U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger, who represents Louisa County in the 7th District, said on May 12 that she had spoken with White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain this week about the urgency of the nationwide baby formula shortage.

“We discussed all possible avenues for getting formula back on the shelves so that parents who rely on it — as I did to feed my three daughters — know they will be able to feed their babies.

“We discussed tariff relief, initiating new and immediate imports, and the possibility of using the Defense Production Act,” she continued. “Any plan released by this administration must make sure that formula is stocked on our shelves for all Virginia parents, crack down on price gouging, and increase imports of formula from abroad. Quick action is needed, and the White House must take decisive action. In the longer term, I am pursuing legislation to ensure we don’t face this challenge again.

“Under normal circumstances, baby formula is expensive, even kept under lock and key in some stores. But the current situation — empty shelves and skyrocketing prices — is a nightmare situation for parents across Virginia and the country. Parents need to know that formula is safe and available for their babies, and they cannot wait weeks for this crisis to be resolved. America’s families deserve an immediate plan of action.

“As a mother of three who relied on formula throughout my daughters’ infancies, I am horrified by the fear and uncertainty the parents I represent are facing. I am exploring all options for how I can intervene, but in the interim, I expect the FDA to provide more information to the American people about how the administration intends to immediately address supply issues and get shelves stocked with the food so many parents need to feed their babies.”

Louisa County Resource Council reports that it has Similac baby formula available, limited to one can per client. They are located at 147 Resource Lane. Check their Facebook page for hours of operation.