Kid to Kid in State College becomes baby formula donation and pick up site during national shortage

"We hope that we can provide this for them and provide a safe place for them to pick up or a safe place for people to drop off when they have that extra formula.”

• By Madeline Miller/WPSU

(State College) — Children’s clothes and toy resale store Kid to Kid in State College is hoping to help parents affected by the national baby formula shortage. The store has started an initiative for people to donate or pick up formula.

The national out-of-stock rate for baby formula earlier this month was 43%, according to research from Datasembly. Sarah Parfitt is the manager at Kid to Kid in State College. She said she has experienced the effects of the shortage first hand.

“I have a current two-month-old who I’m having to supplement with some formula, because he has a heart issue and wasn’t growing well. So, even myself, I’ve had trouble getting the formula that he needs,” Parfitt said.

She said the shortage has mothers turning to Facebook for leads on where and how to get formula. This gave her the idea to make Kid to Kid a designated place to donate and receive free formula.

“We just want to help the families that come and see us. We hope that we can provide this for them and provide a safe place for them to pick up or a safe place for people to drop off when they have that extra formula,” Parfitt said.

People can drop off and pick up donated baby formula at Kid to Kid at 154 Rolling Ridge Drive. Families can take one can of formula per day.