Some military aid societies stand at the ready to help America’s military families feed their babies amidst a nationwide formula shortage.
READ: Military officials and families forced to get creative amidst baby formula shortage
Despite small signs of improvement, such as formula being shipped in from Germany and Spain, many shelves across the U.S. remain bare. Military relief societies (organizations that help service members and their families with financial assistance and other supports) have taken note, with several stepping up to help fill empty baby bottles.
Read on to find out what your branch’s society is doing:
Coast Guard
“Military families are not immune to the [formula shortage],” wrote a spokesperson from Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA). “In fact, the shortage places an additional financial burden on junior enlisted members who often already operate household budgets with slim margins, sometimes including support from the SNAP or WIC benefits.”
To that end, CGMA is reimbursing Coasties up to $750 for the cost of shipping formula from now until the year’s end. The purchase can be through a retailer, family member or individual parties.
To apply for this special Formula Shipment Grant, contact your local CGMA representative.
Air Force & Space Force
According to an Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) spokeswoman, the charity has not received any requests for baby formula assistance. AFAS does, however, have an emergency assistance program of no-interest loans and grants designed for short-term emergencies.
To apply, go to the AFAS portal.
Army
“The national shortage of infant formula is undoubtedly alarming for Army families,” read a bulletin from Army Emergency Relief (AER). “AER stands ready to assist!” The society has implemented a shipping assistance program, reimbursing the cost to mail the formula to the soldier and/or their dependent family members. There is no cap or limits, and the program runs until September.
“Our mission remains the same: providing grants, interest-free loans and scholarships to promote readiness and relieve financial distress of soldiers and their families,” wrote Ret. Army Col. Sean J. Ryan in an email.
To apply, contact your nearest AER officer.
Navy & Marine Corps
Gillian Gonzalez, the Vice President of Chief Development and Communications Officer at Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), confirmed in an email that her organization has seen an uptick in recent months of requests for assistance with basic living expenses. That includes items like baby formula.
“NMCRS doesn’t have a specific program for baby formula, but it is something we have always been able to provide assistance for through our quick-assist loans and traditional interest-free loans,” she wrote.
NMCRS also runs Visiting Nurses, where trained medical professionals provide sailors, Marines and their families with services like prenatal care and address infant and pediatric concerns. These nurses “are located at many bases and are available to assist with newborn resource questions,” according to Gonzalez, including where to locate formula.
To obtain financial assistance, find the closest NMCRS office.
