Bristol's Parent & Child Program Helps Combat Baby Formula Shortage

By Jamila Young, The Bristol Press

August 4, 2022

To help combat the formula shortage, and help out parents in need, the Parent & Child Program under the Bristol Parks & Rec, Youth & Community Services Department, held a community yard sale outside of their office at 51 High Street in Bristol Wednesday.

Parents of children ages 10 and under came to donate whatever amount they could, and selected a toy, books, and/or learning materials for their child. The proceeds from the donations collected will go toward benefiting the diaper and formula shortage. The items available to choose from were donations from Bristol Hospital.

The Parent & Child Program office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is run by Program Coordinator Lauren Kittle, Community Services Coordinator Aubrey Minkler and Youth & Community Services Intern Christina Avino. They offer resources from birth to adulthood, such as comprehensive case management, new mom groups and developmental play groups.

They said they like the work they do because it is important to give back to the community, and they don’t want to add to the already challenging times.

They have a Caring Closet where supplies are kept, such as diapers, formula, etc, and they purchase what they need to restock. Bigger diaper sizes, baby wash and baby lotion are products that go fast.

They also have a community garden. Currently they have a lot of peppers and tomatoes available.

The Parent & Child Program is not limited to just resident families. They are able to help families statewide.