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Writer's pictureJessica
Oct 1212 min read

Hurricane Relief & Essential Resources: Stay Safe & Get Support + Key Takeaways from my Trip To Help Helene Families..

I recently shared about some of the impact that Hurricane Helene and the Dock Strike/Port Closures has had on food and supply chain. You can read that post here ICYMI:




Unfortunately, as so many have just been starting to pick up pieces and get back up from these two momentous happenings, Hurricane Milton made landfall, just 13 days after Helene. Many overlapping areas have been impacted and the overall toll is only starting to be seen.. I made a trip to Knoxville to help provide some relief for Hurricane Helene victims, essentially as Hurricane Milton was making landfall. I'll talk a bit more about that experience and some key takeaways below.




Hurricane Helene has had significant impacts across multiple states in the southeastern U.S. This storm has led to widespread destruction and additional disruptions. Most heavily though, this storm has devastated lives. As I send my love, prayers, and resources, here are a few NEW things to know about the hurricane and it's impact.


  1. Evacuations & Outages: Several states, including Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas, faced evacuation orders due to flooding, high winds, and power outages. Thousands of people were displaced, and many areas still rely on generators for power​ In similar terms, water supply has also been impacted and compromised for many. These problems are still going on as I type this, 16 days after Helene made landfall..


  2. Supply Chain & Transport Disruptions: Ports, roads, and railways were severely impacted, causing significant delays in the transport of essential goods, including food and medical supplies. This has created bottlenecks in replenishing store shelves with formula, baby food, and other essential medical items​

Impact on Food and Formula: Ports handle a major portion of food and baby formula imports, and the recent closures have already impacted availability.

  • Perishable goods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, are particularly at risk as these products rely on timely transport to prevent spoilage. Some grocery stores have reported shortages in items like citrus fruits, berries, and seafood, which are typically shipped through these impacted ports.

  • The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is closely monitoring the situation and working with manufacturers to mitigate shortages of infant formula. One example of a formula that has been impacted by the Port closures is Kendamil.

  • Just-in-time inventory practices have left many retailers with limited reserves of critical products.

  • Now add in concerns brought on by Hurricane Helene:

    • limited access to clean (or ANY) water

    • Major routes and thoroughfares impacted - routes of transport impacted

    • Power Outages and food spoilage for personal households - lack of appropriate storage for new foods


Impact on Medical Supplies: The dock strikes also impact availability of life-saving medications & medical devices. Over 90% of containerized pharmaceutical imports are handled by the affected ports, and a disruption of even a few days can lead to shortages in essential drugs like insulin, chemotherapy medications, and anti-rejection drugs used by organ transplant patients. Health professionals have raised alarms about the potential consequences of these interruptions, as hospitals and pharmacies often keep only a few days' worth of these critical supplies on hand.

  • Now add in concerns brought on by Hurricane Helene:

    • Baxter facilities closed due to damage - Baxter is a leading manufacturer and supplier of IV fluids, Dialysis fluids, medical gear, and so much more..

    • Major routes impacted

    • Hospital closures & evacuations of impacted facilities, transports, and facilities filled to the max - these hurricanes have caused significant challenges for hospitals and healthcare facilities.

      • Hurricane Helene severely damaged critical infrastructure, including a plant in North Carolina that produces 60% of the nation’s IV fluids. This has led to a nationwide shortage, forcing hospitals to ration supplies and delay non-urgent surgeries. Facilities such as UVA Hospital and Mass General are among those affected, leading to postponements of some procedures due to the reduced availability of essential IV fluids. Baxter International, the company that runs the affected plant, is ramping up production globally to meet the demand, but recovery is expected to take several months​ Fox News

      • Hurricane Milton followed closely behind, hitting Florida’s Gulf Coast. Many hospitals had to evacuate patients in advance, particularly from long-term care and assisted living facilities, making this the largest evacuation effort ever in the state. Hospitals like Tampa General have implemented significant preparedness measures, such as deploying flood barriers and stockpiling supplies to last at least five days. Some facilities, like AdventHealth and HCA Florida Healthcare, evacuated entire campuses while others, like Sarasota Memorial, are sheltering in place. Despite these precautions, the back-to-back nature of the hurricanes has placed extreme stress on healthcare systems​ Health News Florida

        .

        These storms are not only causing immediate disruptions but also longer-term challenges for the healthcare supply chain and patient care.




In the wake of back-to-back hurricanes, parents feeding infants face unique challenges. Whether you’re formula feeding, breastfeeding, combofeeding, or introducing solids, it’s important to stay prepared, flexible, and calm during these supply chain disruptions. Here’s some advice for each situation:

1. Formula Feeding:

  • Stock Smartly: Aim for a 2-3 week supply of formula but avoid overstocking to ensure that other families can access what they need. If shelves are bare, check with your pediatrician or local clinics for resources.

  • Alternative Sources: Consider reaching out to local WIC offices, food banks, or formula manufacturers for assistance if your regular supply is interrupted.

  • Formula Safety: Stick to your baby’s usual formula if possible, but if you have to switch brands, consult your pediatrician first to ensure it's a suitable substitute (or use my chart below!). Never attempt to dilute formula or make homemade versions, as this can be dangerous. Do not use unclean water or bottles of water that have come into contact with storm/flood waters. And do not use regular cow's milk or goat's milk in place of formula.

  • Use Substitute Formula Brands: If your preferred brand of baby formula is unavailable, consult with a healthcare provider to explore safe alternative brands. Many stores offer generic versions that meet the same nutritional standards. You can download my Infant Formula Comparables Chart below!


2. Breastfeeding:

  • Power Outages: If you rely on a breast pump and experience power loss, manual pumping is an option. Invest in a manual breast pump as a backup, and consider purchasing a battery-operated pump.

  • Storing Milk: If power is out for extended periods, check your freezer’s temperature. As long as the milk remains below 40°F (4°C), it’s safe. Frozen milk can stay safe for 24-48 hours in a full freezer with minimal door openings. If you have to evacuate, bring breast milk in a cooler with ice packs.

  • Hydration & Nutrition: Keep yourself hydrated and nourished, as this impacts your milk supply. Focus on high-protein snacks and foods rich in healthy fats.


3. Combo Feeding:

  • Flexible Feeding: During supply disruptions, you might need to adjust your feeding method. If formula is limited, try increasing breastfeeding sessions if possible. Alternatively, have ready-to-feed formula as a backup if access to clean water is interrupted.

  • Seek Assistance: Ask your healthcare provider or lactation consultant for guidance if you’re unsure how to manage both feeding methods during a disruption.


4. Starting Solids:

  • Stay Simple: Keep baby’s meals easy and nutrient-dense with simple, shelf-stable options like baby cereals, pouch purees, and unsweetened applesauce.

  • Homemade Baby Food: If you can’t access store-bought baby foods, you can make your own by steaming and pureeing foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and bananas. These can be stored in the fridge or freezer until power disruptions.

  • Focus on Hydration: Ensure your baby stays hydrated, especially in hot, humid conditions. Offer water, formula, or breast milk more frequently.

  • Look for Local Alternatives: Support local farmers' markets and producers, particularly for fresh produce, if you are in an area that had not been directly impacted. Many communities have local food systems that are less dependent on imports and may offer seasonal produce as a substitute.


General Tips:

  • Stay Informed: Monitor local resources like FEMA and Red Cross for updates on shelter, food supplies, and healthcare services.

  • Water Safety: If you’re in an area affected by water contamination, always use bottled or boiled water for formula prep, cooking, and cleaning bottles.

  • Evacuation Preparation: If you need to evacuate, pack enough formula, bottles, breast pump, and snacks for your baby to last a few days, along with necessary medications.


During these challenging times, remember to take it one day at a time, ask for help when needed, and focus on keeping your little one safe and nourished.



TLDR: Hurricane - Key Impacts 🌪️

  • States affected: Alabama, Georgia, Carolinas, Florida & Tennessee.

  • Evacuations: Widespread evacuations due to flooding and wind damage.

  • Power outages: Many areas still without power, relying on generators​, lack clean water and/or water access whatsoever

Supply Chain & Medical Impacts

  • 🚧 Road, port, and rail disruptions affecting transport of food, formula, and medical supplies.

  • 🏥 Hospitals strained: Limited access to medications & treatments due to delays​

What can you do?

  • Stock essential supplies.

  • Stay informed via local resources.

  • Use available tax relief if impacted

Effects on Essential Goods

  • 🍼 Baby formula & food shortages: Imports delayed, increasing risks of shortages in infant formula and fresh produce.

  • 💊 Medical supplies at risk: Limited impact so far, but potential delays for life-saving medicines if strike persists


 

For those impacted by the port closures, Hurricane Helene, and/or Hurricane Milton,

there are several resources available to help:


1. Government Assistance:

2. Food and Formula Shortages:

3. Medical Supply Shortages:

  • Hospitals & Pharmacies: If you are struggling to obtain medications, some hospitals and larger pharmacies may have emergency supplies. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance on alternatives or shortages.

  • Local Clinics: Check local community health centers, which may offer emergency medical services or alternative medications.


4. Evacuation and Shelter (Hurricane Helene):

  • Red Cross: The American Red Cross offers emergency shelter and disaster relief services. You can find a nearby shelter or donate at Red Cross's website.

  • Local Emergency Services: Stay tuned to local radio or social media for updates on shelters, food distribution points, and other assistance programs in your area. The website shared above under "In Florida" contains resource lists for shelters and item distribution points across the whole state!


These resources can provide critical aid during times of need, especially in dealing with food, medical, or shelter emergencies.



 


As I mentioned in my last posting as well, while I was writing, I saw a social media post from Milk + Honey Lactation.:



My heart sank. I've been in the position of providing aid during hurricane relief before. I absolutely understand what is being said. Now add in the impact of so many young ones?!....


I decided to take a collection of donations down to the area. It took a moment to figure out logistics, and it became a veryyy quick, whirlwind trip, but I did indeed have a chance to take a van full of donations to Knoxville! This included infant formula, water, clothes, toys, books, bottles, a high chair, a jumper, and more!!


Most importantly, the formula and the water.

 

In a slightly ironic ? twist, I didn't end up getting to stop by Milk + Honey .....



My time available dwindled very quickly. I needed to hustle back to Ohio in time for 'Girls On The Run' practice that afternoon.

But the main reason ?...


As I was dropping off the donations to the wonderful organization, Helping Mama's Knoxville, it became apparent that the few specific items that Milk + Honey were on the lookout for (besides manpower..) = water, ready-to-feed formulas, breastfeeding gear... well.... Helping Mama's really needed those items too....


I decided to leave majority of donations intended for Milk + Honey with Helping Mama's, as it is clear the need for the items is there.. no matter who provides it... In the end, I provided Helping Mama's Knoxville with 12 containers of powdered infant formula, gallons of baby water, 5 Ready-To-Feed formulas, coupons for a variety of formulas and supplements for future, and maybe just as importantly, a connection to resources when it comes to infant formula and feeding.





& Since I didn't have a chance to stop by Milk + Honey, I will be sending a package of needed items their way in the upcoming days. This package includes a few things that I DID save specifically for them & their families in need, such as bottles, nipples, breast pads, and additional Ready-To-Feed formulas! I'll also be sending copies of a few of my resources on food and formula safety, as this has been a major concern I've heard about as well..


Breastmilk and Formula Feeding Storage Guidelines Time Temperature Food Safety Registered Dietitian Infant Baby Food Resource Baby Food and Fun

I must say a huge thank you to those who donated money towards the purchase of water and Ready-To-Feed formulas! All funds have not yet been spent, and there is still time to contribute! Remaining funds will be used towards the package of items for Milk + Honey, including Ready To Feed Formulas! Check the donation form on my homepage (www.babyfoodandfun.com) or on my 'About Me' page!


Let's do something to help. Let's bring nutrition to families in crisis. Let's feed babies.


How You Can Help:

  • Donate feeding supplies*:

    • Unused and unopened formula,

    • Bottles, Nipples (can be used as long as in decent condition and complete! * I can take care of assessing / sanitizing bottles*),

    • Breast Pumps (manual and electric)

    • Generators

    • Storage bags for breastmilk

    • Coolers/Ice Packs

    • Baby Water

    • and other infant feeding items are greatly needed.

  • Monetary donations: Help us purchase formula, water, and support families in crisis with a financial contribution. (see links below).

  • Spread the word: Share our mission with your network to help amplify our call for support.


This devastating crisis has taken so much from so many families. Every child deserves nutrition, safe nutrition, even in the midst of crisis. Your support & attention to this can help make that possible. With your help, we can provide families with the critical resources they need.


Monetary Donations can be made at the linked site: above, https://www.milkhoneylactationservices.com/hurricane-helene


or on my website: www.babyfoodandfun.com - there is a donation form on the homepage.


 


Practical Tips & Resources:


Since the formula shortage has unfortunately continued on + it is likely to worsen again before improving + we can clearly see how important total infant feeding education is, check out a resource I made- I've updated my infant formula comparables guide which categorizes each formula based on nutrient breakdown and other special features! It also has common terms to know when it comes to formula feeding!




 


Storage Guidelines

Wondering how long a bottle of breastmilk can remain at room temperature? Confused about how long prepared infant formula can stay in the refrigerator? Not sure about the storage guidelines for breastmilk and formula?

Check Out Our Shop For Resources!!







 


❤❤

Thank you for your support and love in this space! It means more to me than you will ever know.

I truly enjoy sharing this information and I hope you find the information provided valuable. If you do find this information helpful, I kindly ask that you consider sharing - via social media, word of mouth, email, etc. I would love to help support as many out there as I can! <3

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Thank you again for giving Baby Food & Fun, LLC a place to grow and flourish, just like our kids :)

Jessica Enderle, R.D., L.D.

Enderle Family Picture | Baby Food and Fun | Parenting Tips Resources Insights Practical Parenthood | Photo by Jenna Fisher Photography













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