As an organization dedicated to supporting breastfeeding families, Breastfeed Durham understands that access to adequate nutrition is essential for maternal and infant health. Yet, proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and school meal programs threaten to put families in Durham and across North Carolina at greater risk of food insecurity. We must take action to protect these critical resources that allow parents to nourish themselves and their children.
Why SNAP Matters for Breastfeeding Families
Breastfeeding requires increased caloric and nutrient intake, and many new parents rely on SNAP to ensure they get the nourishment they need. In 2023 alone, SNAP provided food assistance to over 1.6 million North Carolinians, including thousands of infants and young children. Cutting these benefits could have devastating effects on breastfeeding success, maternal health, and infant development.
The Impact on Family Nutrition and Community Health
While all Durham Public School students currently receive free meals, families with younger children or those outside the public school system still depend on SNAP benefits to ensure they have access to nutritious food. Additionally, cuts to food assistance programs can:
- Increase strain on local food banks as more families turn to emergency food sources.
- Reduce economic stability for grocery stores and markets that serve low-income communities.
- Impact the overall health of families by limiting access to fresh and nutritious foods.
How Durham Residents Can Take Action
If you live in Durham, North Carolina, you have the power to help stop these cuts by contacting your federal representatives and urging them to protect food assistance programs. Your elected officials include:
- Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)
- Website: tillis.senate.gov
- Phone: (202) 224-6342
- Senator Ted Budd (R-NC)
- Website: budd.senate.gov
- Phone: (202) 224-3154
- Representative Valerie Foushee (D-NC 4th District)
- Website: foushee.house.gov
- Durham Office: (919) 967-7924
- Address: 2605 Meridian Parkway, Suite 110, Durham, NC 27713
You can also use the Find Your Representative tool to locate additional contacts based on your address.
What to Say When You Call or Write
When reaching out to your elected officials, consider including the following key points:
- Introduce yourself as a constituent from Durham who supports breastfeeding families.
- Explain how SNAP and other food assistance programs help ensure maternal and infant health.
- Express concern that proposed cuts will increase food insecurity, making it harder for parents to nourish their children.
- Ask them to oppose any reductions to SNAP funding and instead advocate for policies that support food security for all families.
Join Us in Protecting Family Nutrition
At Breastfeed Durham, we believe that no parent should have to choose between feeding themselves or their children. Nutrition is a cornerstone of successful breastfeeding, and we must stand together to protect the policies that keep our community fed. Join us in taking action today—write, call, and make your voice heard.