33 Bottles Of Formula For Free

I've not been great the last few months with dropping off donations to the local food pantry.  I've been so busy.  But I have been great at buying baby formula.  Mostly for FREE.  With coupons of course.  Tips located here.

So when my Junior League decided to do a baby diapers, wipes and formula drive as a kick off event this year, I knew I had the perfect outlet for my growing baby formula collection.  I got my rear in gear and used up all of my coupons to put together what you see here (and then some- there was another bag on the floor of my car). 

In total I had 33 full size bottles/cans of formula.  A mix of Gerber, Enfamil and Similac brands and a total mix of types (complete, soy, fussy tummy, etc).  I didn't know what was what so I purchased like a prep.  I bought the pink and green caps.  Because they were prettier.  Plus I had in there about 10 other formula samples in a variety of sizes (some full size some small single size).  And a bunch of diapers too.

Doing this, I learned several things. 

First, I learned that babies are holy heck expensive!  I am forever shocked at how expensive diapers and formula are.  Wow!

Second, I learned that formula companies recognize the expense and do what I think is a very good job of offering coupons if you just sign up for them.  I've been super impressed at how much is offered to new mommas.  If you just sign up.

Third, I realized how necessary it really is for me, someone clearly not in need of baby anything, to take advantage of these deals to make donations.  If someone is struggling to buy a few food items, it is going to be nearly impossible for her to buy a $30 box of diapers or $9 can of formula. 

I am continually making what to some must be obvious connections.  If your food stamps or tiny pay check barely cover food, you certainly cannot afford to buy feminine items, headache and sinus meds, chap stick or baby wipes.  All things I consider to be life necessities.  Not luxuries. 

I know my donation isn't going to solve the world hunger crisis.  But it was an incredibly easy way to make a teeny teeny tiny dent.

With the exception of the larger pack of diapers, I paid NOTHING for all of that formula and the diaper that you can barely see (sorry I didn't think to take a photo until the car was loaded).  OK so some cans did run me under $1, but others were a profit.  So in the end, it was all completely FREE.  But the value was certainly well over $250 (I also didn't think to add it all up).

Easiest donation ever!

Do you have any tips for either new moms or non-moms with a heart for making donations to food pantries?  And are you judging me for buying formula based on the color of the caps?  Ha!