The Milk Line

A Lactation Support Initiative by The Community Roots Collective

Through generous funding from United Way Suncoast, The Milk Line offers free lactation consultation services to ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) and low-income families in Hillsborough County. Our mission is to help parents confidently nourish their babies while receiving compassionate, expert guidance—supporting both physical health and emotional well-being during the postpartum journey.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, participants must:

  • Reside in Hillsborough County

  • Have a household income at or below $75,000 for a family of four (subject to adjustment based on ALICE and FPL thresholds)

  • Be pregnant or have a child under 1 year old

  • Complete a short intake form to determine eligibility

  • Provide proof of income, which may include:

    • Most recent pay stubs for all earners in the household

    • SNAP award letter

    • Most recent tax return

Completion of a pre- and post-program survey is required.

Program Details

  • Each eligible family receives up to 3 hours of professional lactation consultation.

  • Those who are pregnant can schedule their visit in advance , in preparation for babies arrival.

  • Services may be provided:

    • In-home

    • Virtually

    • Or at an agreed-upon central location

  • Families may reapply for additional support if funding is available

How to Apply (Applications open June 1st)

Visit our application to complete the intake form.
Applications are reviewed within 72 hours, and services are scheduled promptly upon approval.

Why It Matters

In Hillsborough County, 31% of families fall into the ALICE category and 13% live below the poverty line. These families often struggle to cover basic needs—making access to lactation services feel out of reach.

Yet, lactation support is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Research shows that timely support improves:

  • Breastfeeding success at 6 months postpartum

  • Infant nutrition and health

  • Parent confidence and mental health

With The Milk Line, we’re removing barriers and ensuring every family has a strong, supported start.