Mothers' Milk Bank California Celebrates 50 Years with Launch of MMB California Cares Program

Mothers' Milk Bank California (MMB California), the oldest continuously operating independent nonprofit milk bank in the United States, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. As part of this milestone, the organization has launched the MMB California Cares Program, underscoring its ongoing commitment to serving infants and families in need nationwide.

Founded in 1974, MMB California has distributed 16 million ounces of human donor milk to at-risk infants, equivalent to filling seven swimming pools with what is often referred to as liquid gold. The organization's community of nearly 25,000 milk donors has been pivotal in supporting thousands of families. MMB California collaborates with an expanding network of hospitals to provide lifesaving nourishment to the tiniest patients, advancing the milk banking industry through partnerships, research support, and advocacy for stringent health and safety guidelines.

The MMB California Cares Program, introduced by Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Benito-Kowalski, aims to build and strengthen the Milk Donor Community. It focuses on four key areas:

• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Upholding rigorous standards for processing and distributing donor human milk to ensure safety and efficacy.
• Efficiency and Excellence: Streamlining operations to maximize the impact of milk donations across the expanding network.
• Equity and Access Initiatives: Increasing access to donor human milk for families in California and beyond.
• Education and Outreach Campaigns: Launching comprehensive programs to raise awareness about the lifesaving benefits of donor human milk, fostering community among donors and recipients.

Additionally, Mothers' Milk Bank California has unveiled a newly redesigned website, featuring enhanced navigation and user-friendly interfaces. The site provides resources for donors, healthcare providers, and families seeking support.

Central to MMB California's legacy is its network of more than 30 nonprofit mothers' milk banks across the United States and Mexico, which have adopted the model established by MMB California 50 years ago. The organization's longstanding dedication to quality and innovation has set industry standards, ensuring essential nutrition for infants and improving neonatal care.

This anniversary and the launch of the MMB California Cares Program highlight the organization's enduring commitment to advancing neonatal care and supporting at-risk infants and their families. The initiative aims to create a more equitable and efficient milk banking system, ensuring that every baby in need has access to safe donor milk.