Baby formula is being shipped in from London and Mexico to help moms nationwide feed their babies as there has been a shortage. But some women who are not mothers are getting free samples of infant formula when it is not needed.
On Tuesday, Kendamil infant formula was delivered in Detroit from London. Wednesday, Two more flights of Kendamilinfant formula arrived in Metro Detroit. There are planned arrivals for Thursday through Saturday of more baby formula to help with the shortage. These shipments are part of the government’s efforts to gather more formulas for moms in need, especially since the Abbott Plant in Sturgis has shut down for a second time now due to severe weather damage. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the formula will be distributed by Target throughout its stores at a national level.
Read more: Baby formula production at Abbott’s Michigan plant delayed for a few weeks due to flooding
While the United States is receiving more shipments, women without children are benefiting.
“I am 40 years old, I’m single, I don’t have any children,” said Jay Williamson of Hazel Park. “So I was a little bit baffled by why I was receiving samples of formula.”
Williamson said she received free samples in her mailbox this past Monday.
“The more I thought about it, the more bothered I was by it,” said Williamson. “Because there are so many people searching for this. To not cross-reference this, to not quality check your marketing lists to at least make sure it’s people who have an infant who are receiving-- I just felt like that was astonishingly negligent.”
The 40-year-old took her feelings and asked Enfamil why she was receiving these free samples when there are mothers in need.
Enfamil responded to Williamson via Twitter about the formulas that were delivered to her home.
Hi Jay, We work diligently to ensure that we are only marketing to individuals interested in receiving our products and promotions. We apologize for any inconvenience and are happy to remove anyone from our program who does not wish to participate. ~Ginger
— Enfamil (@Enfamil) June 21, 2022
The baby formula company is allowing those in need to sign up for its national mailing list for free samples. Click here to sign up.
Williamson said that she is not the only one experiencing getting free samples when not in need. She explains that other women without kids have had similar experiences.
Related: Metro Detroit moms connect WIC recipients with formula