With a goal of supporting breastfeeding families throughout Kansas, three local breastfeeding coalitions received funding totaling $3,000 from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC) Mini-Grant Initiative.

The following local breastfeeding coalition projects received funding from the KBC:

• Ford County Breastfeeding Coalition – Assist Ford County to achieve the “Community Supporting Breastfeeding Plus” designation by working with local employers and the hospital
• Johnson County Breastfeeding Coalition – Assist child care providers to achieve the “Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Provider” designation
• Neosho County Breastfeeding Coalition – Assist their local health department to achieve the “Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department” designation

Breastfeeding provides immediate and lifelong nutrition and health benefits for mother and child, as well as larger economic, environmental, and social benefits to families and communities.

“Nearly 90% of families in Kansas choose to breastfeed,” said Susan Lukwago, Chair of the KBC Board of Directors. “Breastfeeding is important to the health and well-being of both the mother and the child. We are excited to work with  these local coalitions to build communities where families can be supported in their decision to breastfeed.”

If Kansas is to realize the long-term benefits of breastfeeding, communities need to work together. All grantees will work in coordination with healthcare systems, healthcare providers, public health professionals, and community efforts.