Nonprofit hosts breast milk drive in Salinas

The nonprofit Mothers’ Milk Bank is hosting milk drives throughout California and Oregon in connection with the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action.

The events are aimed at spurring donations as the milk bank’s freezers have emptied during the lean summer months.

These donor enrollment events welcome moms who are willing to donate breast milk to help feed premature and critically ill infants in neonatal intensive care.

On the Central Coast, a drive is being held in Salinas on Tuesday, August 5 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the WIC Nutrition Office, 632 E. Alisal St., Salinas

Lactating women are screened as potential donors and the milk itself undergoes testing for bacteria and is processed using a special pasteurization method that eliminates bacteria while maintaining most of the health benefits of the milk.

To find out more call the Mothers’ Milk Bank at 877-375-6645 or visit online www.mothersmilk.org and at facebook.com/freshestmilk.