BOARDMAN, Ohio - A small selection of baby formula on many store shelves is leading to growing anxiety for parents who are simply trying to feed their children.

"We're noticing that people are coming in and they're asking for specific types, because they have a child who has allergies to maybe protein in cow's milk," Nikky Furrie said, with Sparkle Market in Columbiana.

Furrie says most of the time they order those types of formula they don't receive the order.

"Unfortunately those are the hardest to get right now," she said.

Right now, Sparkle Market carries a limited supply of formula. At its Columbiana store it had two options on the shelf including Similac Alimentum and Gerber's Good Start lactose free.

The first Operation Fly Formula shipment arrived in Indianapolis on Sunday carrying more than 70,000 pounds of hypoallergenic Alfamino infant and junior formula. NBC News reports those supplies will go directly to hospitals and medical entities.

Akron Children's Hospital tells 21 News it has not received any cases of formula related to the Fly Formula shipment. Right now Children's does not have any children in its care due to the shortage or switching of formulas.

On Monday, Rulli Bros. received its first shipment of formula in two weeks. The store, which has locations in Boardman and Austintown, got three cases containing 12 cans of formula each. Typically it takes about 6 to 7 cases to fully stock its formula section on its shelves and the store likes to have about three to four more cases in back stock.

"It has been dropping off over the last few months, but we do have more coming in and we have some inventory right now at both stores," Mark Rulli said, vice president of operations at Rulli Bros.

21 News spotted Similac Advanced, Similac Soy Insomil and Good Start Gentle formula cans on the shelf at Rulli Bros. in Boardman.

Target stores did not approve our request to an interview. Walmart did not return our request for comment or information on the supplies its able to carry right now. 

Giant Eagle did respond to our request for information, saying it is working tirelessly to keep its shelves stocked.

Giant Eagle statement:

"Like many areas throughout the supermarket, the availability of infant formula has been impacted by supply chain challenges and manufacturer limitations. We continue to work closely with our supply partners in an effort to secure as much product as possible. In order to best meet the needs of our guests with the products that are available, infant formula purchases will be limited to four units per guest."

Rulli says imported brands could arrive in Rulli Bros. stores in the weeks ahead. Rulli says his stores typically get three to five shipments of various products each week, so they will wait to see what shows up on the trucks.

The Ohio Department of Health is directing parents to check local pharmacies, directly with formula manufacturers and pediatrician offices if they can not find a formula that they need.

ODH says that if funding is available and a medical need is present, pasteurized donor milk may be available through the Ohio Health Mother’s Milk Bank at 614-566-0630.

For those who are enrolled in the Ohio’s Women, Infant, and Children’s program, the state office can be reached at 1-800-755-GROW (4769) or contact the local WIC offices for assistance.