Cranberry Township business stepping up to help parents affected by baby formula shortage

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Once Upon a Child on Route 228 in Cranberry Township is stepping up to help local parents in desperate need of formula for their babies.

The struggle continues for many families looking for baby formula because of the ongoing nationwide shortage. Parents have found nothing but empty shelves across the country and here at home.

“I know several of my friends not able to get the formula is really stressful,” said Alicia Kurecki.

Kurecki has a baby due in two weeks and is worried about the shortage as well.

“I am pregnant. I am planning on breast feeding but if I can’t, what can I do now, we don’t have a back-up plan,” said Kurecki.

Now Once Upon a Child in Cranberry Township is trying to help. They created this formula drop off where anyone can leave extra formula for those in need.

“The baby needs their food. Not everyone can breast feed. Everybody has their different requirements for their baby. We just want to get them what they need,” said Kate Hepler, the assistant manager at the store.

The store posted the formula drive on Facebook Monday morning, and it already has hundreds of shares and has reached thousands of people.

They really want to get the word out. People donating formula just need to make sure the formula is sealed and within the expiration date. Families are allowed to take one can a day so they can help as many people as possible.

“I think that’s great they are willing to help and try to share if someone has a stockpile,” said Kurecki.

Meanwhile, some relief is on the way. President Joe Biden said that a shipment of Nestle specialty infant formula will arrive in Pennsylvania in the coming days.

Channel 11 News reached out to the Nestle company and the governor’s office to see when and where the formula will be distributed but is still waiting to hear back.

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