New York Attorney General Letitia James has delivered more than $100,000 worth of baby formula to families in Central New York. The donation includes over 7,000 bottles and cans of formula and is part of a larger settlement with Marine Park Distribution, Inc. (Marine Park) and its affiliate Formula Depot, Inc. (Formula Depot), following an investigation into illegal price gouging during the 2022 nationwide baby formula shortage.
According to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Marine Park and Formula Depot raised prices on baby formula by more than what was allowed under state law during the shortage. At times, the companies doubled the price for consumers, charging as much as $36 for a can that 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 OAG’s investigation found that both companies generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional revenue by raising prices by over 60 percent during the shortage. One consumer reported being charged $245 for a case of specialized formula just weeks after paying $190 for the same product.
State law prohibits vendors from increasing prices excessively on essential goods during emergencies or market disruptions such as the 2022 formula shortage. In response to reports from consumers about high prices, Attorney General James warned more than 30 retailers in May 2022 against overcharging for baby formula.
In December 2024, a settlement was reached requiring Marine Park and Formula Depot to provide $675,000 worth of baby formula for donation throughout New York State. The companies also paid a $75,000 penalty and agreed not to engage in future price gouging.
The latest delivery was made to the Food Bank of Central New York distribution center serving multiple counties in Central and Northern New York as well as parts of the Mohawk Valley. This marks the final installment from this particular settlement; previous donations were distributed in Rochester, the Bronx, and the Capital Region. In total, over $800,000 worth of baby formula has been secured through efforts led by Attorney General James against price gouging practices.
“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.”
Senator Christopher J. Ryan added: “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. 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.”
Assemblymember Al Stirpe highlighted: “Infant formula provides important nutrients for a baby’s growth and development. 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, and 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.”
Karen Belcher, President and CEO of Food Bank of Central New York stated: “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… This donation…is a much-needed resource…to ensure their children have nourishment they need…We are grateful…for her efforts protect nutrition safety net.”
Attorney General James has also led other actions related to price gouging including urging Congress toward national protections against price gouging laws; distributing over 9,500 cans through settlements with Walgreens; securing settlements related Lysol products early COVID-19 pandemic; delivering eggs food pantries through agreements with major producers.
Consumers concerned about possible price gouging are encouraged report complaints online or by calling 800-771-7755.
This case was managed by Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Fishman under Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia’s supervision along with Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J Levine within Consumer Frauds Protection Bureau—a division overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
