What is the Feed The Babies Project?
The current infant formula shortage has impacted families across the United States. The City of St. Louis has been particularly affected by the shortages in stores as well as the substantial safety recalls by Abbott Nutrition.
Nurses for Newborns recently announced that the organization is assisting nearly 200 families with babies in the city who have been unable to feed their babies due to the formula shortage. This is evidence of the alarming impact the shortage is having in St. Louis.
People with low income and people of color are disproportionately affected by this crisis. We must proactively address this urgent need through a collaborative community effort.
It could be nearly 10 weeks before store shelves can be fully restocked to meet the demand.
Feed The Babies Project is a community-wide collaborative designed to address the infant formula shortage crisis and provide immediate solutions for families in St.Louis.
PRIORITIES
01
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT FOR BIRTHING PEOPLE AND FAMILIES OF NEWBORNS
Utilize local doulas through Missouri Community Doula Council to efforts encourage, educate, and support breastfeeding for those who are able to.
02
MASS PURCHASE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PASTEURIZED DONOR HUMAN MILK (PDHM) FOR FAMILIES OF 0-6 MONTH OLD INFANTS.
Infants in the age group 0-6 months exclusively rely on formula or breast milk for caloric intake and hydration. For those who cannot breastfeed, we will organize the mass purchase of PDHM from an accredited milk bank followed by the distribution of PDHM to families in need.
03
NUTRITION SUPPORT AND COUNSELING FOR FAMILIES OF 6-12 MONTH OLD INFANTS.
Introduction of solid foods begins around 6 months of life. There are potential alternatives to formula for this age group. We will provide nutritional counseling for families of 6-12 month olds that could help them to utilize these options until formula supply is restored. Infants are introduced to cow’s milk or other alternative milk at 12 months of age.
Phase I – June
Capital Campaign Goal $100K
A capital campaign is underway to raise funds for the project.
To date, we have received financial support from:
- Deaconess Foundation
- St. Louis Regional Health Commission
- Missouri Foundation for Health
- BJC Healthcare
- Lutheran Foundation
Phase II – July/Aug
Distribution Events
- July 21, 3pm-5pm, Affinia WIC office, 1717 Biddle Street, St. Louis, MO 63106
- July 28, 1pm-2:30pm, Mullanphy-Botanical Garden Elementary, 4221 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
- August 2, 1pm-2:30pm, LaSalle Elementary
- August 9, 9am-10:30am, Family Care Health Centers @ Rung for Women, 2717 Sidney St, St. Louis, MO 63104
Phase III – August
Streamline Access
Once formula reaches the shelves it is likely to go to those with access, transportation, and financial means.
We want to be sure that the most vulnerable populations have access to formula for their children.
In addition to locating, and securing, formula for those populations we will work with the milk bank to establish a local donor breast milk dispensary for continued access for those who need it.
Our Partners
We are proud to collaborate with a wide range of organizations dedicated to making a difference, including:
- IHN – St. Louis Integrated Health Network
- St. Louis Regional Health Commission
- Deaconess Foundation
- Missouri Foundation for Health
- BJC HealthCare
- Lutheran Foundation
- YouthBridge Community Foundation
- The Milk Bank
- Missouri Chapter – American Academy of Pediatrics
- March of Dimes
- Missouri Community Doula Council
- St. Louis Area Foodbank
- Operation Food Search
- St. Louis Diaper Bank
- SSM Health
- Saint Louis Metropolitan Hospital Council
- Affinia Healthcare
- Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers
- CareSTL Health
- Family Care Health Centers
Contact Us
For more information about the Feed the Babies Project, please reach out to us at feedthebabies@stlouisihn.org.
