Having a baby is expensive. I know that sounds like the most obvious statement, but there are so many hidden costs, even people with two incomes and health care – like my husband and I — find it a challenge to stay fiscally afloat.
So imagine not having two incomes and/or health insurance. Imagine something happens during birth that requires a longer hospital stay. Imagine that the relative who agreed to watch your baby isn’t able to, and you have to spend the equivalent of a month’s rent / mortgage on day care. Imagine having planned to breastfeed but it doesn’t work. Imagine feeling like you have to dilute the little formula you have to make it last a few extra days, despite the medical risks. Any one of these things can mean the budget you planned is out the window, and you’re left wondering how you’re going to care for this new tiny human AND cover your bills.
In honor of Mother’s Day, until the end of May, we’re asking you to help by making a donation for formula, which is a high need – and very high cost – item. It cost my family between $1,500-$2,000 for my daughter’s first year of life.
And above and beyond new and unexpected baby costs, just like everyone else we serve, new parents are susceptible to unexpected situations that drive them to the emergency food system – like illnesses, injuries, job loss or reduction in hours and car repairs. And we want to be there for them, and their babies, should they need a hand.
Thanks to your generous donations, moms, dads and grandparents can get the formula their little ones need to survive and thrive.
Please consider a donation today to help the youngest members of our community grow up healthy.
Best,
Stef Arck-Baynes
Director of Communications