In a move lauded by community leaders, New York Attorney General Letitia James has delivered over $344,000 worth of baby formula to Bronx families. This delivery is part of a larger effort to provide $675,000 in formula secured via a settlement with Marine Park Distribution Inc. and its affiliate Formula Depot Inc. following allegations of illegal price gouging during 2022's nationwide formula shortage, according to an announcement by her office.
"Using a national emergency to raise prices on hardworking families who are struggling to find enough food for their children is despicable," Attorney General James stated, suggesting Marine Park broke the law when they sought to profit from the crisis, and as part of the settlement, the OAG has teamed up with Roads to Success, a Bronx-based nonprofit, to get the formula to those most in need. Bronx has been hit hard by food insecurity and child poverty rates, and Roads to Success CEO Sheila Duke recognized the significance of the donation, saying, “Access to baby formula is not just a necessity, it is a lifeline for parents striving to provide for their children. At Roads to Success, we witness struggles of families facing food insecurity, and we know how critical this support is for the health and well-being of infants in our community. This generous donation will bring much-needed relief to Bronx families. We are honored to play a pivotal role in distributing these essential resources and remain committed to advocating for the well-being of the families we serve,” as noted by the Attorney General's Office.
During the height of the formula shortage, some retailers were found inflating prices by double charging up to $36 for a can of formula that previously cost $18, as the OAG's investigation uncovered prices were increased over 60 percent beyond what the law permits, generating substantial additional revenue. Additionally, Attorney General James has been at the forefront of protecting New Yorkers from price gouging, including leading a coalition advocating for a national ban on the unfair practice and, as noted, distributing over 9,500 cans of baby formula in Buffalo and New York City from a separate settlement with Walgreens.
The distribution in the Bronx will involve 7,520 cans of powder formula and 3,510 bottles of liquid formula, according to the press release, with Roads to Success facilitating the process from their Boston Secor Community Center; Senator Nathalia Fernandez commended Attorney General James, saying, "This donation provides necessary relief for Bronx families, ensuring parents don't have to choose between feeding their children and affording other necessities," just as Senator Robert Jackson and Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz expressed admiration for James' dedication to combating corporate greed and advocacy for community welfare.
With nearly one in three children in the Bronx lacking consistent access to enough food, this donation is a much-appreciated boon for the community. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson expressed gratitude for the action taken against price gougers, cementing her stance that protections are vital, especially during times of crisis, "Today’s donation of over $344,000 worth of baby formula is a vital step in ensuring that Bronx families have access to the essential resources they need," she told, as per press release. New Yorkers who suspect price gouging are encouraged to report their concerns to the OAG by lodging a complaint online or calling their hotline. The matter leading to the formula donation was handled by a dedicated team within the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau, including Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Fishman, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia and Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J. Levine.
