Basics 4 Babies – Emergency Pantry for Infants

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Basic 4 Babies is an emergency pantry for infants provides formula, baby food and diapers for children ages birth through three in Palm Beach County whose families face financial hardship. Since their inception, HMHB has recognized a tremendous need for infant essentials that many families simply cannot afford. As a result, they opened Basics4Babies – an emergency pantry, which for 30 years has focused on providing free diapers, wipes and basic baby needs to families residing in Palm Beach County who demonstrate need.

In 2017, the pantry expanded to include formula and baby food, adding a focused effort on infant hunger, ensuring that the tiniest residents of our county – those from birth to 12 months – have access to proper nutrition during the most critical stages of development. The pantry is designed to support families in times of emergency therefore some restrictions apply.

In 2020, HMHB has created new methods for distribution to allow for social distancing/safety procedures through COVID.  Throughout COVID they have seen a significant increase in need in the community.

There is an Amazon Wish List so people can donate items directly to the pantry:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2O18WH1AEB3NH?filter=all&sort=price-asc&type=wishlist&viewType=grid

How amazing is this! Last year the pantry:

-Served 9,811 children
-Distributed almost 350,000 diapers
-Provided more than 3,000 canisters of formula
-Provided more than 1,300 infant food packs

Below are some words from other moms in Palm Beach County that have been blessed by this great pantry!

“I have three other kids and my hours were cut down recently due to the Covid, and I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am for you guys. I literally just used his last diaper this morning and won’t get paid to next week. So thank you, thank you so much.” – Adelaila C.

“I’m a first time mom and I recently lost my job due to the virus and it’s truly been a stressful situation. Thankfully my friend told me about you guys and I was able to come. You have no idea how amazing this program is. Especially for first time moms that are needing help in these times.” – Marie J.

“I want to thank everyone for being a great support during these times especially since my husband and I are no longer working, But we know that we can rely on HMHB’s pantry for supplies. COVID-19 has really taken a toll on many of us and knowing that you are here to support the community brings some relief.  Thank you for everything.” – Yanara H.

Basics4Babies supports families in our community with these items based on emergency need (All items are available as a result of community donations & grant funding, therefore product is limited and may vary):

  • Individuals may receive no more than two packs of formula and baby food per child within 30 days (It can be two packs at the same time or one pack during two separate visits within 30 days) and/or one pack of diapers per child within 30 days.

  • Women who are pregnant may receive newborn diapers once per trimester (Proof of pregnancy will be verbal and documented on intake form)

  • Diapers available for children ages 0-3

  • Formula available for children ages 0-12 months

  • Food packs available for children ages 6-12 months

  • Special needs children older than 3 will be served with proper documentation on file (IEP, etc.)

Eligibility (Individuals must provide the following at the FIRST pantry visit to be added to our data system):

  • Photo ID (Must be a resident of Palm Beach County)

  • Name, employment status and children(s) name, age and date of birth

  • Proof of child (Birth certificate, discharge paperwork from the hospital, passport, crib card, or other documentation verifying child’s date of birth, etc.)

  • Social Security cards are NOT an acceptable form for proof of child

Pantry inventory is based on community donations and local funders who give so generously. The need is often greater than our capacity to fill the shelves, therefore there are times when inventory is low preventing us from distribution.

Basics4Babies hours of operation:

  • Greenacres: Monday through Thursday from 10am – 3pm

    4601 Lake Worth Road

    Greenacres, FL 33463

  • Belle Glade: Tuesday from 9am – 3pm

    1079 South Main Street

    Belle Glade, FL 33430

  • West Palm Beach: By Appointment ONLY Monday & Wednesday from 10am-3pm

    To schedule an appointment, please call (561) 665-4543