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 falls on all of us. Since October 4, 2024, NCBfC has coordinated 376 volunteers to serve 1,436 families, ensuring access to safe feeding practices, resources, and culturally appropriate care. This effort has been lifesaving however, we urgently need systemic solutions—and we need your help.
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Transition to Longterm Recovery - What Is Needed?
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North Carolina-Branded Guidelines
We need clear, NC-specific guidelines similar to the Connecticut WIC Formula Storage Guidelines (see link below**), which include specific instructions for formula storage in freezing and extreme conditions. These guidelines must address:-
The risks of freezing formula, including separation of nutrients, compromised packaging, and safety concerns.
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Safe handling, storage, and usage practices to prevent harm to vulnerable infants.
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A state-branded document to ensure credibility and effective dissemination.
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A Direct Referral
We need the name of a person, agency, or organization in North Carolina who can generate this material promptly. This work requires urgent action, and identifying a responsible party will expedite this lifesaving initiative.​​
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**For reference, you can review the Connecticut guidelines here: Connecticut WIC Program Formula Storage Guidelines.
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Why Does This Matter?
Families in affected areas in WNC were living in tents or other temporary shelters with little to no access to consistent heat or refrigeration. The combination of these factors created a significant public health threat for formula-feeding and mixed-feeding infants.
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Addressing this gap with clear, state-approved guidelines will save lives and support equitable infant feeding practices in future crises.
Key Links and Resources
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SAFE (NCBfC Support & Advocacy for Infant Feeding in Emergencies)
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CDC Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Toolkit webpage
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CDC Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Toolkit (PDF): CDC Toolkit PDF
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Financial Donations to continue to provide advocacy, outreach, and support to local coalitions.
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Call to Action: One of the essential steps forward is engaging our legislators to prioritize infant feeding in emergencies. We invite you to review and send the linked letter to your representatives, urging them to address this critical issue: letter link
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NCBfC SAFE Team Webinar: Hurricane Helene Infant Feeding Response in WNC. The webinar provides information about the coalition's efforts, includes stories from the field, and highlights the critical gaps in emergency infrastructure for infant feeding.