The Buncombe Partnership for Children is dedicated to strengthening the capacity of educators, families, and the community to create a strong foundation for children’s learning and development from birth. The first 2,000 days—the period from birth to kindergarten—are crucial for brain development and set the stage for all future learning. That’s why the organization focuses on supporting children from birth to age 5, as well as their families, caregivers, and educators, through partnerships with local organizations to:

• Improve the quality of early childhood education.
• Increase access to affordable, high-quality early care.
• Expand early literacy opportunities.
• Encourage healthy eating, physical activity, and outdoor play.
• Provide family support and resources.

The Buncombe Partnership for Children believes that the early years of a child's life are very important for their future success. Their goal is for every child in the community to reach their full potential and be ready for a bright future.

https://buncombepfc.org/about-us/who-we-are/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9Oyl0MmG_AIVRuTICh13BgFKEAAYASAAEgJO3PD_BwE

The Buncombe County CHIP Advisory is working to improve birth outcomes and reduce the rate of infant mortality.  As breastfeeding is an important strategy to improving child and maternal health, community partners are working together to achieve designation as a breastfeeding friendly community by completing the Ten Steps The Breastfeeding-Family-Friendly Community Designation (BFFCD), as articulated by the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute. In 2022 there were 15 agencies engaged in the the process to receive breastfeeding friendly designation. The process for designation is long and can be complicated, which has been noted as a potential barrier for expanding the work moving forward.

Funding to support Breastfeeding Friendly designations ended after fiscal year 2022. However, FY 2023 Buncombe County Partnership for Children received funding to continue to support the work of the Breastfeeding Coalition in Buncombe County. Currently, the coalition is working to help expand breastfeeding resources and education.