Hunger Action Month: By the Numbers

Did you know?

A baby can eat only breastmilk or formula for the first 4 to 6 months of life.

Some moms can breastfeed right away, while other moms might have trouble starting or continuing, or might choose not to breastfeed at all.

Infant formula is the only other alternative to breastmilk that is safe and has the right nutrition for a baby.

L.I.F.E. Houston makes sure all families have access to infant formula when they need it.

The brain grows faster in the first two years of life than at any other time.

That's why babies need 50% of calories from fats.

Both breastmilk and formula have the right nutrition for brain growth.

When families run low on formula, they might give baby milk, watered-down formula, or other liquids, which can affect baby's health. L.I.F.E. Houston makes sure that families can get the right nutrition they need for baby to have a strong start in life.

Younger infants need smaller meals more frequently - as often as every 2 hours - because they have small tummies.

Older infants can wait longer because they eat larger meals.

When babies are between 4 and 6 months, they might have a big appetite but still get all their nutrition from liquids.

If a family is running out of formula, they might start foods before baby is totally ready.

L.I.F.E. Houston makes sure all families have infant formula so they can feed their baby the liquids that are right for their age and developmental stage.

Infant formula can cost between $18 and $483 per month. Yikes!

Why such a huge range of prices?

This range is based on the most affordable formula (a generic store brand) and

the most expensive formula (a name-brand, hypoallergenic formula for medical needs).

Different babies have different needs.

Did you know that half of all new babies in the greater Houston area are born into a family living in poverty?

That means about 50,000 new babies each year are born into a family earning

$61,360 or less for a family of 5.

That's why L.I.F.E. Houston has been giving free infant formula assistance since 1988.