KCHD to Host Free Event Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month
August 21, 2026

KNOXVILLE — The Knox County Health Department’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and the East Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition will host their annual celebration of National Breastfeeding Month on Aug. 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at The Knoxville Museum of Art.

The event is open to all and will include an art station for T-shirt painting (bring your own shirt), canvas tote bag painting (WIC will supply), coloring books, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library story time, and goodie bags for the first 75 people to attend. KCHD Maternal Child Health Programs and community partners including UT Medical Center, Catholic Charities and more will attend with displays supporting expecting mothers and breastfeeding families.

“Providing human milk is one of the most important things a mother can do to protect the health of her infant,” said Robin Penegar, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator. “Unfortunately, as mothers return to work, we see breastfeeding rates decline. As a community, we must be more supportive of moms and their efforts to provide breast milk for their babies. A mother’s breastfeeding success rate can be greatly improved through active support from her family, friends, community, health care provider, employer, and community leaders.”

The WIC program is designed to serve pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women as well as infants and children under the age of five who qualify. The program aims to safeguard the health of those who are at nutritional risk by providing healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care.

The East Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition was founded to support breastfeeding families and those who work with these families. The mission of the coalition is to promote, protect, and support human milk feeding in East Tennessee. The coalition meets regularly, bringing together professionals, students, parents, and all breastfeeding advocates to build a community where human milk feeding is supported and accessible to everyone. Anyone is welcome to attend.