One grocery item is in high demand but in short supply in the U.S.
Baby formula is becoming hard to come by all across the country as grocery stores like Walmart and Kroger continue to restrict the amount that people can buy at once. Grocery stores like Costco, however, continue to offer the products in bulk supply at a low price.
At stores across the U.S., 40% of top-selling baby formulas were out of stock the week of April 24, a new analysis from Datasembly shows. The firm tracked baby formula stock at more than 11,000 stores. National out-of-stock levels increased from 31% to 40% between April 3 and April 24.
Related: These Are Costco’s Most Popular Items Right Now
“This is a shocking number that you don’t see for other categories,” Ben Reich, CEO of Datasembly told CBS MoneyWatch.
The supply of baby formula was already constrained due to a national recall on a variety of Abbott Nutrition products earlier this year.
Gallery: Walmart Just Announced Another Permanent Closure (Best Life)
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Walmart Just Announced Another Permanent Closure
Walmart is a weekly destination for many shoppers, whether they’re browsing for groceries or big-ticket items. The big-box retailers low prices are just one benefit of being a regular shopper, in addition to the convenience that Walmart offers through delivery services and its exclusive Walmart+ membership. But a handful of Walmart locations are expected to close by the end of May, and the company just announced an additional closure that could affect how you shop. Read on to find out what Walmart is closing for good.
RELATED: These Are All the Walmart Locations Closing Forever by the End of May.
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Prices of baby formula have also spiked—which is concerning to many families and caregivers since about three-quarters of babies in the U.S. drink formula within their first six months of life. The average cost of formula is now up as much as 18% over the past year.
The Infant Nutrition Council of America recently issued a statement on its website assuring parents that manufacturers are increasing production to meet families’ needs. The council also encouraged parents to keep a two-week supply of formula at home and not hoard products.
In January, Enfamil, a leading baby formula brand, said it was coping with an unprecedented 18% surge in demand for baby formula nationwide.
“We have taken steps to ramp up production and are currently shipping 50% more product, to address issues as fast as possible,” a spokesperson for Reckitt, maker of Enfamil, told CBS News in a statement at the time.
If families are in emergency situations, local food pantries, churches, shelters, and hospital emergency rooms may be able to provide a small amount of formula based on need. Additionally, families can contact Feeding America or dial 2-1-1 to be connected to a community resource specialist who can connect them to local resources.