Parents in poverty need to be able to access formula milk at foodbanks - tell your MP to act

An investigation by the Sunday Times has found that major national foodbanks currently do not collect or distribute formula milk due to confusing guidance, putting the health and wellbeing of vulnerable infants and their families at risk. Parents in poverty who cannot afford infant formula are being forced to water down formula milk, feed their young infants with unsuitable porridge or cow’s milk, and some go without food themselves to ensure their children do not go hungry. 

Given the current pandemic and the huge economic impact it has had on families, this situation is only likely to worsen in the months ahead. UK law allows for direct provision of first infant formula, as do international guidelines, however UNICEF UK guidelines recommend against the direct provision of formula at UK baby and foodbanks.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service, BPAS, and Feed are calling on the Government to urgently clarify that there is no legal impediment to provision of first infant formula and that food and baby banks may choose to provide first infant formula for formula fed babies in order to support families in need.

Parents in poverty need to be able to access formula milk at foodbanks - tell your MP to act NOW