Food Work in Troubled Times: Making Do

“Access to breastfeeding support is suboptimal, formula is expensive, and the cost of living is high. This all creates stress and impedes families’ ability to feed themselves, and their children.”

—Survey Participant

The cost of food, including infant formula, has risen substantially in recent years, making it difficult for many caregivers to feed their babies. Many families are struggling because of rising prices and inadequate income and support.

Watch the video to hear about one mother’s experience.

47% of caregiver survey participants were food insecure, meaning they had inadequate or insecure access to food because of financial constraints.

51% of the ethnography participants worried about running out of food and 72% had difficulty affording formula.

Click on the puzzle pieces below to understand the patchwork of resources
that caregivers draw on to feed their babies.