Proclamation
WHEREAS, the mission of the Merced Breastfeeding Network is to improve the health of Merced families through breastfeeding support, advocacy, and education; and
WHEREAS, breastfeeding rates in Merced fall below state and national averages, particularly among low-income and Hispanic families, who make up a significant share of our local population; and
WHEREAS, breastfeeding is associated with lower rates of childhood illness, SIDS, diabetes, and infectious disease, as well as reduced maternal risk of Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer; and
WHEREAS, the City of Merced is committed to supporting the Merced Breastfeeding Network in its efforts to expand access to lactation support, reduce social stigma, and build a community that normalizes and celebrates breastfeeding; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate the Merced Breastfeeding Café Support Group for eight years of dedicated group lactation support to Merced families, along with this year's expansion of Mamava lactation pods across the city, and we invite all residents to join in celebrating breastfeeding at future Merced Breastfeeding Network events; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MATTHEW SERRATTO, Mayor of the City of Merced, on behalf of the City Council, and the City of Merced Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, do hereby proclaim the August as Merced Breastfeeding Month in the City of Merced, and call upon all residents, community advocates, employers, and healthcare providers to support and celebrate breastfeeding families throughout our community.
Signed this 17th day of August 2026
Matthew Serratto, Mayor of Merced