Out-of-stock rates for baby formula remain sky-high across America despite decreased media attention on the crisis in recent months, market data shows.
The national formula out-of-stock level for the week ending July 24 was 30%, according to data released July 29 and shared with the Daily Mail. That’s a slight increase from two weeks before when out-of-stock rates were 28.3%, according to market research firm IRI.
‘THEY FORGOT ABOUT US’: Mom slams Biden admin over persistent baby formula shortage https://t.co/yxNdMFu5fS
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Wyoming and Arizona are being hit hardest at the moment. The out-of-stock rates in those states are 42% and 44%, respectively, the Daily Mail reported.
Media coverage of the crisis has waned since the spring and early summer when the shortage dominated headlines, but the situation is just as bad now as it was at points in May and June. The out-of-stock rate for the week ending May 22 was 23.7%.
News reports have focused instead on other challenges facing the Biden administration, including record-high inflation, lofty gas prices and the war in Ukraine.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply chain chaos it caused, typical out-of-stock rates were in the 5% to 7% range, according to the New York Post. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: House Republicans Renew Request For Briefing About White House’s Response To Baby Formula Crisis)
President Joe Biden has taken steps to alleviate the shortage, but they seemingly haven’t been enough. He made use of the Defense Production Act to try and increase supply, and the administration says it has flown in more than 60 million 8 o.z. bottles of formula from Europe this year, according to the Daily Mail.