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Infant Feeding Crisis Response: Hurricane Helene in WNC
Background
The North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition (NCBfC) actively responded to the infant feeding crisis in Western North Carolina (WNC), mobilizing one week after Hurricane Helene hit on September 27, 2025. Leveraging training from the CDC’s Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Toolkit, which has been available for over 10 years, we believed that this critical work was embedded into federal or state emergency preparedness systems. However, after 7 days, we discovered that no federal or state agency was directly responsible for ensuring that infants are safely fed in the midst of a natural disaster.
When no one is responsible, the burden fell on all of us. Since October 4, 2024, NCBfC coordinated 376 volunteers to serve 1,436 families, ensuring access to safe feeding practices, resources, and culturally appropriate care. This effort was lifesaving.
Lactation Support is Critical.
Breastfeeding saves lives, and we ardently promote breastfeeding. It is the healthiest and safest option for infant nutrition.
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In WNC, our Teams provided lactation information and support to expectant families and those who needed help to begin or continue to breastfeed. We also trained relief workers to ensure that they do not undermine breastfeeding. Relief workers learned that giving formula to families that already are breastfeeding or to expectant families can undermine breastfeeding. We encouraged and supported breastfeeding for the health and safely of the child.
The SAFE Team will continue this work to ensure the health and well-being of infants and young children and their families in crises or emergencies throughout North Carolina.
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