New York Attorney General Letitia James has distributed over $100,000 worth of baby formula to families in Central New York. The delivery, announced yesterday, is part of a $675,000 settlement with Marine Park Distribution, Inc. and its affiliate Formula Depot, Inc., which were found to have engaged in illegal price gouging.
James’s campaign against price gouging not only addresses high pricing practices but also provides support to families, contributing over 7,000 bottles and cans of formula to help address the nutrition shortage, at a time when moral support alone cannot meet infants’ dietary needs. “No parent should have to struggle to buy formula for their baby because corporations are attempting to profit from a crisis,” Attorney General James stated in a press release. The donation provides both nutrition and a demonstration of support for those in need as the holiday season approaches. The Food Bank of Central New York played a central role in the delivery and will use the formula to extend assistance across the eleven counties it serves.
Investigations found that Marine Park and Formula Depot increased formula prices by more than 60 percent above the legal limit during the shortage. In one documented case, the price of a case of specialized formula rose from $190 to $245. Baby formula is essential for approximately three out of four infants in their early months, making pricing practices during the shortage particularly significant.
The Food Bank of Central New York and its network of 545 community partners provide support to address gaps not covered by federal nutrition programs, according to President and CEO Karen Belcher. The donated baby formula serves as an important resource for families facing economic challenges. Belcher stated in a press release, "This donation of baby formula is a much-needed resource for families throughout Central and Northern New York and portions of the Mohawk Valley to ensure their children have the nourishment they need to grow and thrive."
Attorney General James has led a multistate coalition calling for a national ban on price gouging and has secured settlements related to similar pricing issues during the early COVID-19 period. New Yorkers with concerns about price gouging are encouraged to contact the OAG to report violations and support enforcement of fair market practices.
