COVINGTON, Ky. — There are many unique items you can find inside of the Be Concerned food pantry in Covington. Executive Director Andy Brunsman said there’s one baby item they don’t really have at the moment: Formula.

“We actually don’t have any formula right now,” Brunsman said.

The organization typically gets formula from distribution centers, but they’re now seeing the effects of the baby formula shortage. They’re also noticing more people ask where they can find it themselves.

“We have been getting more phone calls from people who may not even come here regularly,” he said. “Just like COVID, the: ‘Do you know where we could get hand sanitizer?’ That question has now changed to: ‘Do you know where we could get baby formula?’”

The best piece of advice Brunsman has for those searching is to not give up and to keep looking. He said Be Concerned has lots of diapers, wipes and other foods people can get to help cut down on costs—because he knows scarcity in baby formula could mean a higher cost to purchase it.

“The more money we may be able to save them on diapers and wipes and things like that should help them possibly prepare with increase they may see in cost of formula,” he said.

Brunsman is also calling others to action. People should order formula if they see it available online and have it sent to local organizations like his who help families in need. He also suggested volunteering.

“If you want to get involved, come back and help us. There’s a lot of us, not just Be Concerned, but there’s pantries of your choice all around Northern Kentucky that could really use help right now as we battle this post-COVID families figuring out how the rest of their lives are going to look,” Brunsman said.

Many may also notice increased SNAP benefits that were given out through the pandemic are going away. This month, those extra pandemic benefits will disappear for many Kentuckians.