Service Description

Food For Hungry Babies is a free, short-term emergency assistance program that provides a 7-day supply of infant formula and baby food.  When in stock, we also provide non-nutritional items including diapers, bottles and clothing.

All baby formula is regulated by the USDA and contains all of the necessary ingredients for healthy growth and development.  Therefore, LIFE/Houston follows the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines for distribution of food and formula.  Currently, we stock baby food and a milk-based formula, a soy-based formula, a lactose free formula and most special formulas.  Infants are given enough formula to provide 32 ounces a day of nutrition for one week.  Four jars of strained vegetables and cereal are offered at 5 months; strained fruits added at 6-7 months; and strained meats are added at 8-12 months.

Additional Services

After the infant's basic needs are met and during the parent's initial visit, we shift our focus to other areas of care that impact the infant.  Clients receive practical information on topics relating to improving their skills as parents through educational and informational literature available in English and Spanish.  Typical areas covered include:  proper infant nutrition, formula preparation and use, parenting and baby care information, breastfeeding support and encouragement, and referrals for long-term solutions as needed or requested.

If and when families need more than short-term assistance, they are referred to all applicable government agencies for which they qualify.