Work

Exploring the Experiences of Families Impacted by the 2022 Commercial Milk Formula (CMF) Food Insecurity Crisis in the United States of America: A Scoping Review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the United States, the sociocultural reliance on commercial milk formula is prevalent from birth. Published data reveals that many parents and caregivers commence early initiation of commercial milk formula-feeding earlier than global health recommendations. The unprecedented shortage of commercial milk formula in 2022 exposed inadequacies in the infant food system and prompted adverse infant feeding challenges for parents and caregivers. RESEARCH AIM: To examine the experiences of families affected by the 2022 commercial milk formula food insecurity crisis in the United States. METHOD: The scoping review was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology and six databases were searched: CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Database. This process generated 265 results with 174 full-text papers reviewed, and 18 articles retained for synthesis. Extracted data were examined following Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework. RESULTS: Four themes were constructed: feelings of failure, vulnerable supply chains, making the most of availability, and lack of support for breastfeeding and relactation. The lack of support for relactation and breastfeeding was a recurrent issue for parents and caregivers. Commercial milk formula scarcity led to its adaptation with potentially significant health risks for these infants. CONCLUSION: The fragility of infant nutrition and food security in a commercial milk formula-reliant culture has been highlighted. The importance of national emergency preparedness and government policies that support parents and caregivers to have equitable and reliable access to commercial milk formula where indicated is demonstrated.

Source: Journal of Human Lactation

DOI: 10.1177/08903344261419346

Authors: Emily Jansch, Marjorie Atchan, Maryam Bazargan

Institution: University of Canberra

Language: English

Topic: Breastfeeding Practices and Influences

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150