An increasing number of parents in London, Ontario are facing challenges as grocery stores in the area have started locking up baby formula due to the soaring costs. This move has sparked concerns among families who rely on formula to feed their children.

Several major stores in the east end of London, including Food Basics on Oxford Street, have implemented measures such as keeping baby formula behind Plexiglas and requiring staff assistance for access. This has left many parents feeling frustrated and desperate.

One mother, Alyssa Cassidy, expressed her dismay at the situation, highlighting the drastic measures some families are forced to take to ensure their children are fed. She emphasized that the rising costs of formula have created a divide where those with financial means can afford it while others are left struggling.

Reports indicate that the price of baby formula has surged by 30% between 2022 and 2024, according to Statistics Canada, surpassing the increase in other food products. This sharp increase has put a strain on families, with some parents revealing that a week’s supply of formula can range from $30 to $70.

Stephanie Green, another parent from London, shared her experience of the financial burden caused by the high formula costs. She mentioned making tough choices and sometimes having to prioritize one child’s needs over the other due to the expensive nature of formula.

Lesley Frank, a Canada Research Chair at Acadia University, noted that while the practice of locking up high-value items like formula is not new, it is becoming more common outside of major cities like Toronto. The situation reflects a broader issue of affordability and access to essential goods.

In response to the escalating prices, some parents have resorted to tactics like signing up for samples and testers to make their formula supply last longer. The community is grappling with the implications of these price hikes, with concerns that the situation may drive individuals to resort to theft to meet basic needs.

The struggle faced by families in London, Ontario sheds light on the challenges many parents across Canada are encountering due to the unaffordability of essential items like baby formula. As the cost of living continues to rise, it is crucial for policymakers and businesses to address these issues to ensure families can provide for their children without facing financial hardship.