Metro

Formula For Change

2023

Metro launched ‘Formula For Change’ to reform infant formula legislation to help families in need keep their children fed and healthy. The campaign, in partnership with the charity Feed, is calling on government to change the law, enabling retailers to accept loyalty points, all food bank vouchers and store gift cards in payment for infant formula. All of which are currently prohibited.

The news brand said: “Being able to provide for your family shouldn’t be something people need to think twice about. But in today’s cost of living crisis, it’s tragically become part of our everyday conversation.

“However, for many parents, the situation is even more desperate due to the skyrocketing price of baby formula.”

The campaign has received support from Labour MP Preet Gill: ‘For mothers already enduring a cost-of-living crisis, the rising cost of baby formula is crippling.

‘The government must protect mothers and children, especially the most vulnerable, from the worst effects of this cost-of-living crisis.

‘I support Metro and Feed’s campaign to get the government to overturn the current ban on purchasing formula with loyalty cards, such as Nectar, Boots or Tesco Clubcard, and vouchers.”

The campaign has received backing from comedian Katherine Ryan, who said: “Mums have it tough enough… No mum should have to worry about whether she can feed her child. I fully support this campaign and hope we can tackle this issue.” Feed and Metro launched a petition in July urging government to take action – the petition has since reached over 50,000 signatures.

Metro continue to call on government to update the outdated guidelines. In November 2023, the campaign was voted the winner of the 2023 Making a Difference award for the best national campaign.