Families in Northeast Arkansas struggling to afford baby formula may find relief this Friday morning in Jonesboro. The Northeast Arkansas Food Bank will host a free baby formula giveaway from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the Allen Park Community Center, located on Race Street.
Food bank officials say approximately 1,300 cases of Similac Dual Prebiotic formula, an 8-ounce, ready-to-drink product, will be available. Distribution will be first come, first served, and no registration is required to participate. There is no strict limit on how much each family can collect, with distribution handled on a case-by-case basis.
Terry Austin, the Northeast Arkansas Food Bank’s development officer, explained that the formula supply became available through a unique opportunity. “A warehousing organization made us aware of this opportunity, and we were able to grab a couple of pallets,” Austin said.
The food bank emphasized the importance of providing such support to families in need, especially during challenging financial times. “With food dollars being stretched thin already, we love the idea of being able to put infant formula into those households with little ones,” Austin stated.
The Similac formula being distributed contains prebiotics designed to support digestive health and is fortified with iron to help prevent iron deficiency and support brain development. Pediatricians recommend consulting a child’s doctor before making changes to a baby’s diet or formula.
The Allen Park event is open to families across the 12 counties served by the Northeast Arkansas Food Bank. While Friday’s giveaway is in Jonesboro, families unable to attend can visit the food bank’s website to locate other nearby food pantries. The organization also hopes to host similar formula distributions in the future.
Austin acknowledged the ongoing challenges the food bank faces due to rising costs and increased demand for assistance. Despite struggles to keep its shelves stocked, Austin said the formula giveaway is a vital way to help the community. “Everybody’s expenses are up right now, whether we’re talking about food, fuel, or any other household good,” he said.
In addition, the Mississippi County Union Mission in Blytheville is distributing the same type of Similac formula. Families seeking formula there should be mindful that the product expires on Dec. 1 of this year.