New York Attorney General Letitia James has delivered over $100,000 worth of baby formula to families in Central New York. The donation, consisting of more than 7,000 bottles and cans, comes from Marine Park Distribution, Inc. as part of a settlement following illegal price gouging during the nationwide baby formula shortage in 2022.
An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Marine Park and its affiliate, Formula Depot, Inc., raised prices on formula during the shortage in violation of New York’s price gouging laws. At times, Marine Park doubled the price for a can of formula, charging up to $36 for what previously cost $18.
“No parent should have to struggle to buy formula for their baby because corporations are attempting to profit from a crisis,” said Attorney General James. “Price gouging during an emergency is illegal, and my office will continue to go after any company that tries to take advantage of hardworking New Yorkers. As the holiday season approaches, I am proud to secure this donation of baby formula for Central New York families.”
The 2022 shortage was triggered by a manufacturing plant closure and recall, causing supply issues and higher prices across the country. This left many parents struggling to find enough formula for their children.
The OAG’s investigation revealed that both Marine Park and Formula Depot increased prices more than 60 percent above legal limits during the crisis period. For example, one consumer who needed specialized formula saw costs rise from $190 per case to $245 within weeks.
New York law prohibits excessive price increases on essential goods during market disruptions like the 2022 shortage. In response to reports about high prices at that time, Attorney General James issued warnings to over 30 retailers statewide.
In December 2024, a settlement was reached requiring Marine Park and Formula Depot to provide $675,000 worth of baby formula for distribution by Attorney General James’ office. The companies also paid a $75,000 penalty and are barred from future price gouging practices.
The most recent delivery was made at the Food Bank of Central New York’s distribution center serving multiple counties in Central New York. This marks the final shipment under this settlement agreement; previous deliveries benefited families in Rochester, the Bronx, and the Capital Region. In total so far, Attorney General James has secured more than $800,000 in donated baby formula through efforts against price gouging.
“Every new mom and every baby must have access to safe, reliable formula and the essential nutrition that supports healthy development,” said Congressman John W. Mannion. “I’m grateful to Attorney General James and the Food Bank of Central New York for their work to make sure families in our community have what they need during such a critical time. I’ll continue supporting programs like WIC and others that help parents keep their children healthy and safe.”
“The holidays can be especially tough for working families, and no parent should have to worry about access to something as essential as infant formula,” said Senator Christopher J. Ryan. “Today’s effort is about making sure children have what they need to stay healthy and giving families a little more security during a challenging season. In Central New York, we show up for one another, and this is that commitment in action. Thank you to Attorney General James and the Food Bank of Central New York for helping ensure this support gets to the families who need it most.”
“Infant formula provides important nutrients for a baby’s growth and development,” said Assemblymember Al Stirpe. “It is critically important for disadvantaged families because these families often have a higher reliance on formula due to socioeconomic factors like lack of paid leave and limited access to lactation support. Without adequate formula infants can face serious health risks such as dehydration poor growth or developmental delays potentially worsening existing health disparities We thank Attorney General James for this shipment of formula which will be a lifesaver for infants in our region.”
“Food Bank of Central New York and our network of 545 community partners help fill the gap for our hungry neighbors some of whom may not be eligible for federal nutrition programs like WIC or SNAP or who still need just a little bit more support,” said Karen Belcher President CEO Food Bank Central NY “This donation baby formula much-needed resource families throughout Central Northern NY portions Mohawk Valley ensure children nourishment they need grow thrive We grateful AG James making donation possible her efforts protect nutrition safety net”
Attorney General James has led several initiatives against price gouging including urging Congress with other states’ attorneys general in October 2024 https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2024/attorney-general-james-leads-coalition-urging-congressional-leaders-support-national-ban-price-gouging calling on lawmakers nationally ban such practices She has also distributed thousands cans baby formula earlier settlements https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2024/attorney-general-james-distributes-baby-formula-buffalo-and-new-york-city-walgreens-settlement including those involving Walgreens In addition her office reached agreements with companies like Quality King Distributors over COVID-19 related pricing issues https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2023/attorney-general-james-secures-100000-quality-king-distributors-inc-due-unconscionable-price-increases securing further relief consumers
Consumers concerned about potential price gouging can file complaints online or call 800-771-7755.
The matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Fishman under Bureau Chief Jane M Azia Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J Levine Consumer Frauds Protection Bureau with additional assistance from Jasmine McAllister supervised by Victoria Khan Gautam Sisodia Megan Thorsfeldt Division Economic Justice led Chris D’Angelo overseen Jennifer Levy.
