Soul Food for Your Baby Inc

Unique in its mission to revive the art of breastfeeding among African American women through systems change and culturally competent media, educational, and community outreach, SFYB uses evidence-based strategies to build and sustain relationships. Our program is well-positioned to assist South Los Angeles residents in increasing rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration and in strengthening community involvement in this vital endeavor. 

 The cost-benefit of breastfeeding for families and society at-large is unparalleled in terms of improved health outcomes and increased maternal-child bonding; yet specific social, cultural, and economic barriers remain, and African American women report significantly lower rates of breastfeeding than other racial and ethnic groups.

 Working closely with medical and public health specialists, community stakeholders, and residents, SFYB developed and tested a culturally competent social marketing campaign that has been presented at national and local conferences since 2007, gaining acclamation from diverse maternal and child health professionals and agencies. The program’s collaborative of over 50 maternal and child health advocates helped to plan program activities and community outreach events for underserved communities. Currently, SFYB has responded to COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning breastfeeding support groups online. We provided services when many hospitals and government agencies stopped breastfeeding support services due to the pandemic.  As a small nonprofit, we are seeking funds to continue to provide free, accessible breastfeeding services to community and for core support.