Senate declares May California Human Milk Donation Month; highlights two nonprofit milk banks

The California State Senate on a unanimous roll call adopted Senate Resolution 20, declaring May as California Human Milk Donation Month and recognizing donors, milk banks, health-care providers and advocates who promote access to donor breast milk.

Senator Cortese presented the resolution on the floor, saying the declaration honors “the dedicated efforts of human milk donors, milk banks, health care providers, and advocates who work tirelessly to ensure that all infants have access to life sustaining breast milk.” He told members the resolution is intended to raise awareness of access gaps and support for milk-donation infrastructure.

Cortese cited statistics and program efforts in his remarks, noting the role of nonprofit milk banks. “There are only 2, just 2, nonprofit milk banks in California, Mother's Milk Bank California in Santa Clara County and UCHealth Milk Bank at UC San Diego,” he said on the floor. The resolution text referenced the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and framed donor milk as an important alternative for infants who cannot receive their parent’s milk.

The secretary called the roll; the clerk recorded 36 ayes, 0 noes, and the resolution was adopted. After the vote, Cortese introduced guests in the gallery, including Jennifer Benito Kowalski, chief executive officer of Mother's Milk Bank California, and representatives from multiple statewide breastfeeding and milk-donation organizations.

The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new program funding or regulatory obligations. It recognizes existing institutions and advocates and urges greater awareness and coordination to expand access to donor milk.

Details recorded on the floor do not specify new state appropriations or a statutory directive; the resolution is a formal recognition adopted by vote.