There is a shortage of infant formula, due to supply chain issues and a recall of infant formula due to bacterial contamination. The recall is due to bacterial contamination in the Abbott manufacturing plant in MI. At least four infants were hospitalized, and 2 infants died after consuming the tainted formula. In San Mateo County, there have been fewer reports of general formula being difficult to find but instead, specialized therapeutic formula that is difficult to locate.

The following CORE agencies are offering formula:

Pacifica Resource Center-To residents of Pacifica only – (650) 738-7470

Women’s Enrichment Center-San Carlos – (650) 591-3636

Milk Banks:
San Jose Mother’s Milk Bank is seeing an increase in requests for donated milk. Please share this information with the families in need, the process is outlined here:

  • To BECOME A DONOR-Now more than ever milk donation is needed:

UC San Diego Milk Bank: Milk Bank | University of California Health

Formula Locator sites have been developed to help locate retail stores:

Headshot of Kitty Lopez

Kitty Lopez has served as the Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County since 2012, focusing on policy, advocacy and communications development. Additionally, she is the Chair of First 5 Association of California. Kitty previously served as the Executive Director of Samaritan House, one of the leading safety-net nonprofit agencies serving low-income families and individuals in San Mateo County with food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, education classes, and holiday assistance from 2002 to 2012.

Kitty taught kindergarten, second grade, and high school in the Bay Area and in Santa Barbara, and was a consultant in schools with children who have autism and special needs. Additionally, Kitty worked in a residential substance abuse treatment center in San Francisco and psychiatric hospital in San Diego.

She attended University of California Santa Barbara earning a California Teaching Credential and B.A in Psychology. Kitty is active in her community serving on several community boards including HEART (Housing Endowment and Regional Trust of San Mateo County), STEP (Success Through Education Program), and Past President and Current Member of the San Mateo Rotary Club.