New York Attorney General Letitia James on Friday delivered 4,668 cans of baby formula to New Yorkers in Western New York as a result of her investigation into Walgreens Co. (Walgreens) for illegally raising prices of baby formula during the 2022 shortage. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) began an investigation into Walgreens’ price gouging of baby formula following reports and consumer complaints about unreasonably high costs associated with this essential product. Attorney General James secured a settlement from Walgreens in the form of over 9,500 cans of baby formula, which will be distributed to New Yorkers in need. In addition, Walgreens will pay a $50,000 penalty to resolve the OAG investigation. The 4,668 cans of baby formula distributed Friday have a wholesale value of approximately $100,000 and were given to FeedMore WNY and the Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network in Erie County.
“During a nationwide baby formula shortage, Western New York parents, like millions throughout the state, were terrified while trying to figure out how they would get their babies critical nutrition,” said Attorney General James. “Retailers took advantage of panicked and desperate parents and raised prices, adding more stress and financial hardship on overburdened families. By taking action against Walgreens, my office has secured $200,000 worth of baby formula – more than 9,500 cans – that will be provided to New York families. I am proud to bring this formula to Western New York and to partner with great community organizations who will ensure this baby formula gets to families and babies in need.”
Millions of infants throughout the country rely on formula as their primary or supplemental food source, and a 2022 shortage caused by a plant closure and recall created significant hardship for families across New York State. In May 2022, Attorney General James issued warnings to more than 30 retailers across the state to stop overcharging for baby formula after consumers reported unreasonably high prices. An OAG investigation triggered by consumer reports found that Walgreens engaged in price gouging on at least 20 infant formula products. Walgreens raised retail prices by over 10 percent on those products. For some products, Walgreens’ price increase was over 20 percent, and in one case, it was over 70 percent. The OAG’s investigation found that Walgreens made over 2,400 individual formula sales at these inflated prices, selling over 3,400 cans or bottles of formula and bringing in over $150,000 in revenue.
FeedMore WNY and Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network, both of Erie County, will receive 4,668 cans of baby formula as part of Attorney General James’ settlement with Walgreens. In 2019, FeedMore WNY was established following the merger of Meals on Wheels for Western New York and the Food Bank of Western New York. FeedMore WNY has helped distribute more than 17 million pounds of food to nearly 300 pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters and other hunger-relief agencies throughout the Western New York region. The Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network was established in 1987 to support the health and wellbeing of Erie County families and children. Services include connecting families with primary care physicians, offering pediatric immunizations, organizing classes and post-partum education, and providing assistance to struggling families. The 4,668 cans of baby formula will be split between both organizations.
