Illinois Valley Times

In a May 20 Facebook post, Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) urged Illinois residents to check out Crittenton Centers during the baby formula crisis.

"Crittenton Centers does great work helping families and children in the Peoria area. A great time to help out, if you can," Spain posted.

In his post, Spain shared a link to a post from Crittenton Centers about its efforts to distribute baby formula. The organization wrote: “Thanks to you Crittenton Centers' Crisis Nursery has been able to distribute 52 cans of formula in the last three days! We still have formula for families in need so keep calling us. However, at this pace of distribution, we will run out in a few weeks. If you or someone you know has formula at home and you want it to go to families in need, please drop it off at Crittenton Centers 442 W. John Gwynn Jr. Ave. Peoria, IL 61605. We have been living our mission of protecting and nurturing children and families since 1892. You can donate to us knowing we will distribute your donation at no cost to the families in need! Together we are making #greatchildhoods happen!”

According to USA Today, Food and Drug Administration Chief Dr. Robert Califf told the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on May 25 that the agency had been too slow to respond to the baby formula shortage.

The Illinois Department of Human Services offers tips to cope during the shortage, including calling the IDHS helpline. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has trained caseworkers to assist families with formula questions on the IDHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154.