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

Visit our [website/application portal] 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.