A Jewish charity has received an infusion of food to distribute as a result of a crime committed by one of the country’s top pharmacies.
On Tuesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James provided 4,668 cans of baby formula to the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty for families in need.
The donation resulted from investigating Walgreens drugstore company and determining that prices for powdered formula had been raised illegally in 2022 during a shortage. Walgreens provided 9,500 cans of formula and paid a $50,000 penalty as compensation.
“We are so grateful to Attorney General Letitia James for the opportunity to give out more than 4,600 containers of baby formula to the neediest New Yorkers,” Met Council CEO David G. Greenfield said. “This event will go a long way towards helping babies and families who need it. At Met Council, our goal is to always assist those in need, no matter who they are or where they’ve come from.”
The wholesale value of the infant food is $150,000.
James said parents should not have to worry about feeding their children because companies choose to gouge their customers.
She said, “Today, hundreds of families will be able to get free baby formula from an agreement my office reached with Walgreens for price gouging. I am proud to deliver this baby formula to the Met Council which works day in and day out to help those who need it most.”
