WILMINGTON, Del. – One year after launching an initiative to provide Delaware parents with free infant formula, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long announced Monday a further expansion of product availability statewide in an effort to distribute the remaining supply of formula to residents in every corner of the state. 

Last year, Lt. Governor Hall-Long, in conjunction with state and community partners, launched the Infant Formula Distribution Program, responding to a national infant formula shortage. They secured 44,000 canisters of Care A2+ infant formula to be provided to parents of children under the age of one throughout the state. The program was expanded last summer to remove the limit on canisters people could receive.  

As of early March, approximately 15,500 canisters remain to be distributed to nonprofits. The batches of formula will begin to expire this fall, making it imperative to raise awareness about its availability. There are now more than 35 sites across all three counties that carry the canisters. The program also partners on special events and directly with nonprofits to reach constituents. To view a full list of public sites, visit the lieutenant governor’s website.   

“When the infant formula shortage was reaching a crisis level during COVID, we took action. I was proud to lead with our remarkable partners to protect Delaware’s children. No one should have to choose between feeding their child or heating their home,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “I’m so thrilled we continue to expand this program and ensure free infant formula gets in the hands of those who need it. I’m so thankful for the many partners – state and community wide – who truly make a difference in the lives of others.” 

“We know that budgets are incredibly tight,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky. “The state of Delaware’s formula initiative gives families peace of mind that assistance is available. No family should have to worry about how they’ll feed their infant, we are so grateful that free formula is available to Delaware families who need a little extra help.” 

The initiative, which kicked off in February 2023, was made possible due to the collaboration of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, Governor John Carney, Donate Delaware, Highmark Delaware, Bank of America, Genesco Pharma, Delaware Division of Public Health, Food Bank of Delaware and countless community partners. The Division of Public Health selected Care A2+ because of the similar ingredients to Similac, a widely used formula brand in the United States.  

“Donate Delaware remains committed to supporting mothers and their families through infant formula distribution programs like Harper’s Heart and others. Thanks to the leadership of Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and her team, Donate Delaware and other partners have been able to provide mothers statewide with tens of thousands of cannisters of needed baby formula free of charge. During these challenging economic times for families, it is critical that our infants are properly nourished regardless of their income status. The early years of infant development are essential to supporting learning and good nutrition is a foundation upon which a healthy child’s growth rests,” said Dr. Robert Andrzejewski, CEO of Donate Delaware. 

Delaware families with a child under the age of one are eligible to receive 28.2-oz canisters of Care A2+ infant formula while supplies last. It is important to follow the directions on the label for your child, and do not water down formula. 

“You can’t do everything alone – so it is so important that we are able to collaborate to meet the needs of our community, said Giovanna Andrews, Founder and CEO of Harper’s Heart. “I’m grateful to be one slice of the pie in this huge operation so families can get what they need, which is food for their babies. This was a heroic initiative and I am proud to be part of the solution to help families.”  

The batches of formula will expire in October 2024 and December 2024. If you have questions about formula use, please contact your pediatrician and visit the FDA’s website.