Some of the babies who fled Katrina, or who are trapped in New Orleans, are being breastfed by their mothers. The rest need formula—premixed formula, because the water is questionable.
Are the formula companies helping?
Abbott Labs (makers of Similac, Pediasure, and Pedialyte) has stepped up to the plate, according to a Wednesday press release:
Abbott has pledged $2 million in cash donations and an initial $2 million in nutritional and medical products to help victims of this disaster. The nutritional products, which are already being distributed to those in need, were rapidly shipped to affected areas in response to initial requests from aid organizations yesterday soon after the disaster struck.
Wal-Mart is a major distributor of infant formula (manufactured by Wyeth, among other companies). They are helping too:
Wal-Mart will establish mini-Wal-Mart stores in areas impacted by the hurricane. Items such as clothing, diapers, baby wipes, food, formula, toothbrushes, bedding and water will be given out free of charge to those with a demonstrated need.
No statement yet from Nestle USA, makers of Good Start (1-800-225-2270).
[UPDATE: A call Friday morning was answered with standard boilerplate ("Nestle works with all state and local agencies," etc.) and no specific ways they are helping now were mentioned.]
No statement yet from Mead Johnson, makers of Enfamil (1-800-429-5000).
[UPDATE: As of Saturday, still nothing from Nestle or Mead Johnson.]
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