North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition
Free Infant Feeding Help for Families Affected by Hurricane Helene
The hotline is open 24/7, every day of the year.
Call 888-588-3423 or text "BFHOTLINE" to 839863 for free help.
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If you have questions about feeding your baby and are affected by Hurricane Helene, free help is available! Families can call or text the Appalachian Breastfeeding Network Hotline anytime for support. This free service is funded by the Ohio Department of Health to assist families during this tough time. North Carolina is thankful for their help in making sure breastfeeding families get the support they need.
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Infant Feeding Crisis Response: Hurricane Helene in WNC
Background
The North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition has been actively responding to the infant feeding crisis since one week after Hurricane Helene hit on September 27. 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’ve discovered that no federal or state agency is directly responsible for ensuring 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, the NC Breastfeeding Coalition 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, but we urgently need systemic solutions—and now, we need your help.
The Current Emergency
While portable water has been restored in Asheville, many families in rural communities have been without both power or water for 53 days, with some living in tents or temporary shelters where temperatures are as low as 21°F at night. These freezing conditions pose significant risks for formula-fed infants, especially regarding the storage and safety of ready-to-feed formula. Without clear, state-branded guidelines on formula storage in freezing temperatures, families may unknowingly compromise the safety of their infants’ nutrition.
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:For reference, you can review the Connecticut guidelines here: Connecticut WIC Program Formula Storage Guidelines.
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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.​​
Why Does This Matter?
Families in affected areas are living in tents or other temporary shelters with little to no access to consistent heat or refrigeration.
The combination of these factors creates a significant public health threat for formula-fed and mixed-feeding infants.
Addressing this gap with clear, state-approved guidelines will save lives and support equitable infant feeding practices.
Key Links and Resources
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SAFE (NCBC 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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Assistance for Western North Carolina (WNC) Lactation Support Providers.
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Urgent Call for Infant Feeding Specialists: NCBfC Safe Team Sign Up Form (Select training or month from the tabs at the top of the sign up form.)
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Financial Donations 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.
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NCBfC SAFE Mailing Address in WNC: 19 Young Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787
Traveling to the facility as a registered volunteer? Some GPS systems may direct
you more accurately using 21 Young Rd. Both addresses are part of the same facility.
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Additional RESOURCES for families, support providers, and disaster recovery.
Volunteer Coordination
NCBC continues to seek Infant Feeding Specialists and volunteers to support the efforts in Asheville, NC, and surrounding area. We need trained support to provide outreach and education at shelters where mass distributions of formula and bottles are taking place. This is an ongoing effort and a rapidly changing situation.
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Complete the NCBfC SAFE Team Sign Up Form. There are tabs at the top of the page to select a month or the 3.5-day training. Remember to scroll down the page to find times to select.
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Read the CDC Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies toolkit.
Volunteers Heading to Asheville
Important Notice for Volunteers Heading to Asheville:
Only those signed up should go to Asheville. Do not travel to emergency areas unless registered. Volunteers who are already signed up will receive detailed instructions and assignments. Please ensure you have filled out the necessary forms and are prepared for the conditions on the ground. ​
Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for information on:
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Preparing for the visit,
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Finding lodging
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What to bring and wear,
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Checking in,
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The daily schedule,
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Bringing human milk donations, and more!
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Volunteer Check-In:
Volunteers need to check in each morning and watch the training video before going to their assigned shelter..
Check-in is at 9:30am at The Forgery, 19 Young Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787.
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Note: Many volunteers are reporting that the address 21 Young Rd works better with their GPS systems. Both addresses are within the same welcoming area.
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Reminder that only registered volunteers should arrive to ensure organized, effective deployment. To register, complete the sign-up form here.
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More information about getting to The Forgery is available in Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).​
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Volunteer Training:
The training session on Safe Infant Feeding was recorded. This training is vital for those planning to assist on the ground or remotely during the hurricane recovery. A link to the recording will be provided with volunteer information. Volunteers should view the recording before checking in on their scheduled volunteer day and time.
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Volunteer Communication:
A Google group has been created to keep volunteers informed about the hurricane relief efforts. This will be our primary communication hub. Email ncbfc@breastfeedingcommunities.org if you want be added to the list. It means 10 emails per day. We suggest enabling digest emails for easier tracking. ​
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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Our Teams provide lactation information and support to expectant families and those who need help to begin or continue to breastfeed. It is the healthiest and safest option for infant nutrition. We also train relief workers to ensure that they do not undermine breastfeeding. Relief workers learn that giving formula to families that already are breastfeeding or to expectant families can undermine breastfeeding. We encourage and support breastfeeding for the health and safely of the child.
How You Can Help.
Provide Infant Feeding Sanitation Kit supplies (supplies listed above).
Send to: The SAFE Infant Feeding Team at The Forge, 19 Young Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787
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Financial contributions also are important and will help us sustain these efforts for the long term. Your generosity makes a direct impact on families in Western North Carolina:
Donate
Join the NCBfC SAFE Team!
We need Infant Feeding Specialists and dedicated volunteers to support the mission in Asheville and surrounding area. Please sign up for the role that fits you best. The link includes tabs for volunteer opportunities in upcoming months and for the 3.5-day training:
NCBfC Safe Team Sign Up Form
Do You
Need Help?
For Lactation Support Providers in Western North Caroline:
If you need financial assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out:
Request Financial Aid
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Request Help or a Visit from the NCBfC SAFE Team
To request a visit or to let us know about a family or site in need, contact the NCBfC SAFE Team directly at safe@ncbfc.org, or call (828) 809-3301, or complete the form:
NCBfC SAFE Infant Feeding Needs
Final Call to Action
Now, more than ever, families in Western NC need our support. We are calling on all NCBC members and partners to step up and help provide critical infant feeding support during this time of crisis. Whether through donations, volunteer efforts, or telehealth services, your involvement is crucial.
Thank you for your continued dedication to improving the health and well-being of families across North Carolina. Together, we can make a difference.
Warm regards,
North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition | Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I volunteer to help with safe feeding support in disaster-affected areas?
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You can sign up to volunteer by filling out the NCBfC Safe Team Sign Up Form. There are tabs across the top for the 3.5-day training and the volunteer months. Once you register, you will be provided with further instructions on how to assist. Please note that volunteers are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.​
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After signing-on and before your shift, please complete the following steps to ensure you’re fully prepared:
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Watch the CDC Infant Feeding in Emergencies video.
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Read the CDC Infant Feeding and Emergencies Toolkit.
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If you're delivering supplies or driving, please ensure your vehicle is ready for transport.
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Remember to update your sign-up if your plans change.
Your time and effort are critical in supporting families during this emergency. Whether you're providing direct support, assembling kits, or delivering supplies, your help is invaluable to the success of our response.
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2. Are there housing options for SAFE Infant Feeding Team volunteers?
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Here are some accommodation options in the area. They are close to the Forgery, where you will meet each morning. (See question 4 below for more information about the Forgery and check in.)
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Airbnb Rustic Royce Lodge (https://www.airbnb.com/slink/LiEZfBVC)
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Airbnb Rustic Brown Bungalow (https://www.airbnb.com/slink/yCkj0xn5)
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Airbnb Rustic Birch Cabin (https://www.airbnb.com/slink/4Ntt5VdZ)
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Hotel Fairfield Inn & Suites Asheville Weaverville by Marriott
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3. When volunteering, what do I need to bring?
CHECKLIST of ESSENTIALS:
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Credentials and ID
Bring a photo ID and any relevant credentials,, if applicable. If you don't have a name tag, you can pin your IBLCE card or other credential to your shirt.
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Clothing
Wear long pants. It still can be muddy or dusty. Scrubs are not needed.
Remember to layer! Consider bringing T-shirts or short-sleeved tops, a long-sleeved top for cooler mornings, and a jacket. Temperatures can be super variable (e.g., 70s during the day and in the 40s at night). While it's been warm lately, temperatures will be dropping.
Suggestion from the field: Wear clothes with pockets, or maybe wear a small front pack. This will be handy to hold cards, sharpies, your phone, and other small items.
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Footwear
Wear warm comfortable shoes. Closed-toe shoes will protect you from any mud and dust that still is in the area.
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Masks
​You may bring a mask to leave in their car. Some areas are super dusty, and a mask might be helpful. You also might need a mask if you are clearing debris. N95 is good for those tasks.
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Water
Stay hydrated! A bottle to carry with you during the day is helpful.
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Food and Meal Options
You do not need to bring your own food. Weaverville is open, and there are meal options. Restaurants and grocery stores are open for business. Please support local vendors, when possible. ​
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SAFE Infant Feeding Sanitation Kit supplies
We're ready to start accepting kit supplies again. We have been distributing 100 kits per day and have enough to build an additional 150 kits. Feel free to bring additional kit supplies. The list of supplies are included above, and additional information or can be found on the SAFE Infant Feeding page (https://www.ncbfc.org/safe).
4. Where do we meet?
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Check in is at 9:30am each morning at The Forgery, 19 Young Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787. Note: The address 21 Young Rd may work better with some GPS systems. Both addresses are within the same welcoming area.
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The Forgery has potable water and working toilets.
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Directions to The Forgery:
When arriving at The Forge (19 Young Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787), turn onto the dirt road. Look for a big yellow house. Drive past the go-kart tire track and park between two large metal buildings. Look for a blue spiral staircase outside to identify the building.
The door into the building will be facing you as you head towards the building, and the blue outside stairs will be on the right. Enter the Forgery. Once inside the building, head to the left to the door under the car and second blue stairs. It's the 'blue room' -- the command center for volunteer check-ins and kit pick-ups.
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5. What is the schedule?
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9:20 AM: Arrive and park in front of The Forgery: 21 Young Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787
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9:25 AM: Complete the mandatory virtual check-in using the Google form: Check-in Form
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9:30 AM: Join the virtual morning meeting via Zoom: Zoom Meeting Link
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9:45 AM: In-person training for first-time volunteers at The Forgery.
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10:00 AM: Kit pick-up at The Forgery.
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10:30 AM: Deployment to assigned locations. You will check in and out at each location: Check-in/out Form. Note: Sundays are often slower in the morning due to church services. You may spend the early hours organizing supplies, cleaning, and prepping until 12:30 PM when communities become more active.
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4:00 PM: Check-out at the end of the day using the Google form: Check-out Form
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6. What are the road conditions?
The interstate between Asheville and Tennessee still is blocked, so we recommend traveling south instead. For real-time updates on road congestion, we suggest checking Apple Maps or Google Maps before you head out or go to the NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT) website for Helene detours.
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7. What if I'm bringing human milk donations?​
Please let us know if you are interested in donating breast milk to the families of Western North Carolina. Reach out by email to safe@ncbfc.org or phone 828-809-3301. We can put you in contact with the appropriate folks to get milk into the right hands. Thank You for your consideration.
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8. What are the requirements for milk donations?
Donors must complete a simple disclosure form, which includes contact information and a brief health history.
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Milk should be stored in sterile bags. Please ensure that each bag of milk is clearly labeled with the following:
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Donor's name
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Date of collection
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Quantity in ounces
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9. How can I help if I can't travel to the disaster area?
If you’re unable to physically volunteer, you can still help by spreading the word on social media, donating funds to support Lactation Support Providers impacted by the hurricane, or helping with logistics remotely. Follow @jayne.carpenter on Instagram for live updates and share posts to raise awareness.
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10. How long is the need expected to last?
The need for feeding support will likely continue as long as the area is recovering from the disaster. The situation is evolving rapidly, and every bit of help counts.