Toward the end of last month, 40% of baby formula was out of stock. It's a big jump from last year when the out-of-stock rate was around 2-8%. Supply chain issues and brand recalls due to product contaminations didn't help. All of this had major retailers like Target, CVS, and Walgreens limiting baby formula purchases. Meanwhile, prices on just about everything have skyrocketed. The average cost of the most popular formula brands has jumped as much as 18% in the past year.
How are parents doing?
They're struggling. Only a quarter of babies are exclusively breastfed. That means the remaining three-quarters of parents are relying on formula for the first 4-to-6 months of a baby's life. A handful of states (Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota) are being hit the hardest — with more than half of the available formula sold out. 26 other states are seeing 40-50% out-of-stock rates. The impact on babies' health could be stark: malnutrition early on in life can have long-term consequences, impacting everything from physical to cognitive development.
What options are there?
If you aren't able to get a hold of baby formula, ask your pediatrician to help connect them with local resources like milk banks. You may also want to reconsider generic brands. Doctors say they're just as good as brand names. But many parents are desperate to locate formula. Some have resorted to watering down the servings to stretch out their use. Others have turned to online sites like eBay to try their luck. The FDA and Biden admin say they're working as fast as they can to try to fix the national shortage. But in the meantime, the agency warns that infant formula should never be diluted or bought online from outside the US. It has also advised against making your own formula.
theSkimm
An estimated millions of parents in the US rely on baby formula to keep their babies healthy. Now, this shortage has some scrambling to feed their babies in their first moments — and months — of life.
PS: Here's what to do — and not do — when it comes to accessing baby formula.
And Also...This
Where there's turmoil…
Sri Lanka. Yesterday, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa handed in his resignation. The government has faced weeks of nationwide protests for its handling of the country's worst economic crisis in decades. Over the years, government mismanagement and the pandemic have led to fuel, food, and medicine shortages, rolling blackouts, and growing inflation. For months, Sri Lankans have reportedly called on the government to seek help from the International Monetary Fund. And on Monday, the protests got violent: government supporters attacked protesters in the capital, injuring dozens and leading to a nationwide curfew. Now, the PM says the gov's in bailout talks with the IMF but is stepping down. Protesters celebrated the announcement. But the PM's brother, who serves as president plans to remain in power.
...Oh and speaking of people in power, Ferdinand Marcos Jr seemed on track to win the Philippines' presidential election yesterday. The news would bring the son of the country's former dictator to power — the first time since the '80s that a Marcos led the Philippines.
What's coming to a computer near you…
High-speed internet. Yesterday, the Biden admin revealed that 48 million low-income households will have access to lowered high-speed internet costs. As part of last year's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 20 internet providers have agreed to either increase speeds or cut prices to $30 a month for households that qualify. President Biden says high-speed internet is a "necessity" and that the new plan will be fast enough for a family of four to work from home and do schoolwork at the same time. Check if you qualify and apply here.
What looks great on a résumé...
A Pulitzer. Yesterday, Columbia University announced the big winners in journalism, poetry, books, and more. Andrea Elliott won for "Invisible Child" — a nonfiction book about a young girl growing up amid New York City's homeless crisis. Joshua Cohen won the fiction prize for "The Netanyahus" — based loosely on the father of Israel's former PM. And the Washington Post won the big journalism award for its coverage of the Jan 6 insurrection.
…Oh and, Tony Award noms spread the love far and wide, with no one show getting all the buzz. That's showbiz, baby.
What had people more stumped than usual…
Wordle. Yesterday, some users got the answer "fetus" — prompting a statement from The New York Times. The Times, which acquired Wordle earlier this year, said that this was not intentional — and that the word had been programmed into the game over a year ago. Apparently, the Times had tried to change the word last week but the tech made it hard to change.
Who's saying 'don't knock it until you've tried it'…
Picture it: Your blood pressure skyrockets. Your breathing speeds up. Your pupils dilate. And certain muscles contract as a flood of feel-good hormones enter the chat and blood rushes to some…sensitive areas.
Sound familiar? That's what's going on — ya know, anatomically — when you orgasm. Pretty satisfying stuff. Btw, if you're trying to get up, up, and O-way more easily, more intensely, and more often, meet Vella Women's Pleasure Serum. It was developed by scientists, biz leaders, and beauty industry experts. Including some of the people behind Viagra and Cialis. And Skimm'rs can get it for 30% off with code SKIMM30. Oooooo yeah.
Skimm Your Ballot
The 2022 midterm elections will be here before you know it, and we're here to help you Skimm Your Ballot. Whether you're unsure about your voter registration status, feel confused about why congressional elections matter or want to find your polling place, we've got you covered. Stay informed with theSkimm's digital voting hub — because you should feel confident when hitting the polls.
PS: Sign up for text updates on our election coverage, voting tips, and more.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Eye makeup that'll have everyone asking where you get your falsies. That's how show-stopping your real lashes will be with this mascara. And with a formula that strengthens each lash over time, we're not surprised it's got over 20,000 five-star reviews. Here's 15% off.*
2. Something for anyone who loves a free refill. Panera's Unlimited Sip Club can help you save on your fave beverages. And this relatable video nails why you really, really need to join. (Psst…it's less than $11 a month.) Trust us. Your group chat is gonna wanna see this.*
3.A do-it-all grill you can use on a rainy day. With this indoor grill-air fryer combo, you can crisp, roast, and make the most of your summer BBQ plans — no matter the weather. Snag one before it sells out.*
4. An SUV with sports car energy. Think: a four-cylinder turbo engine and a trunk that's overpacker-friendly. The new Porsche Macan also combines the iconic Porsche flyline with an updated interior cockpit. Complete with touch screen center console. Learn more.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Art and heart...Danielle B (PA). She's helping highlight the latest additions to Philly's Percy Street Project. Her latest block party helped bring visitors to the immersive art experience. Check out the project.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Julia Cereghino (NY), Trudie Perkins (NY), Eleni Poteres (IL), Maxie Fiascone (IL), Sofia Anzalone (NJ), Emma Ginnell (CA), Bud Wolsnski (OH), Laura Robinson (NC), Aine Kennedy (NY), Cheri Harding (PA), Dana Tate (TX), Cate Caldwell (IL), Mary Steinbrenner (WI)
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Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
