DIEEP will award ten small businesses in Orleans Parish up to a $1,000 grant to assist in complying with the PUMP Act. Applications are due Tuesday, May 27
New Orleans - DePaul Community Health Centers’ (DCHC) Infant Empowerment and Education Program (DIEEP) is soliciting applications for small businesses in Orleans Parish to apply for up to $1,000 grant to assist in complying with the Providing Urgent Maternal Protection for Nursing Mothers (PUMP) Act, which mandates that all employers provide reasonable, paid break times for employees to express milk in a private, non-bathroom space.
The PUMP Act Compliance Grant will award ten (10) eligible small businesses in converting a private, non-bathroom space before or by Monday, July 14, 2025, for nursing individuals. Applications are due on or before Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Any applications submitted after the designated deadline will not be considered.
The eligible small business owner(s) may allocate the fund to the following compliance items – nursing room display signage, door lock(s), electrical outlet, and a storage area for breast milk (ex: refrigerator) to meet the requirements of the PUMP Act. Other appropriate items related to enhancing the breastfeeding space may be purchased per the discretion of the awarded employer.
Eligible businesses must:
The PUMP Act Compliance Grant will award ten (10) eligible small businesses in converting a private, non-bathroom space before or by Monday, July 14, 2025, for nursing individuals. Applications are due on or before Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Any applications submitted after the designated deadline will not be considered.
The eligible small business owner(s) may allocate the fund to the following compliance items – nursing room display signage, door lock(s), electrical outlet, and a storage area for breast milk (ex: refrigerator) to meet the requirements of the PUMP Act. Other appropriate items related to enhancing the breastfeeding space may be purchased per the discretion of the awarded employer.
Eligible businesses must:
- Report a gross income of no more than $500,000 per year
- Have 0-50 employees
- Identify a designated non-bathroom space PRIOR to applying
- Ensure the designated space for pumping has an operable water source within or in proximity of the space (If the water source is NOT within the nursing space, submit before pictures of the water source in proximity to the converted space. Phone photos are acceptable.)
- Be in good standing with the Secretary of State: www.sos.la.gov
- Be located in Orleans Parish
For more information, please email Naya Jackson at naya.jackson@dscno.org with questions regarding the grant application. Awarded businesses will be notified on Monday, June 9, 2025. After the space is fully converted, businesses will undergo a mandatory site visit of the space by DIEEP staff.
DIEEP is committed to guiding and supporting businesses in implementing the required policies regarding the PUMP Act. This PUMP Act Compliance Grant was created to foster a work environment for nursing individuals and their families. DIEEP aims to inform and engage the New Orleans business community about breastfeeding policies, areas of support, and potential barriers for mothers breastfeeding in the workplace.
The Providing Urgent Maternal Protection for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) is a federal law that took effect on April 28, 2023. It protects the right of employees to express breast milk in the workplace during their nursing child’s first year. Specifically, the PUMP Act mandates that all employers provide reasonable, paid break times for employees to express milk in a private, non-bathroom space equipped with a work surface/table, comfortable chair, refrigerator, operable electrical outlets, a lockable door, and proximity to a sink and faucet with paper towels and soap (water source not mandated to be within nursing space).
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor mandates that Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) covered employers must comply with the PUMP Act or risk the following consequences: a Notice of Failure with a 10-day compliance period, an FLSA member site visit, a civil money penalty, back wages for the affected nursing employee, and a meeting with administration or the agency board of directors. Furthermore, this essential Act establishes a baseline of protections, allowing states and municipalities to enact more comprehensive measures.
DIEEP is committed to guiding and supporting businesses in implementing the required policies regarding the PUMP Act. This PUMP Act Compliance Grant was created to foster a work environment for nursing individuals and their families. DIEEP aims to inform and engage the New Orleans business community about breastfeeding policies, areas of support, and potential barriers for mothers breastfeeding in the workplace.
The Providing Urgent Maternal Protection for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) is a federal law that took effect on April 28, 2023. It protects the right of employees to express breast milk in the workplace during their nursing child’s first year. Specifically, the PUMP Act mandates that all employers provide reasonable, paid break times for employees to express milk in a private, non-bathroom space equipped with a work surface/table, comfortable chair, refrigerator, operable electrical outlets, a lockable door, and proximity to a sink and faucet with paper towels and soap (water source not mandated to be within nursing space).
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor mandates that Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) covered employers must comply with the PUMP Act or risk the following consequences: a Notice of Failure with a 10-day compliance period, an FLSA member site visit, a civil money penalty, back wages for the affected nursing employee, and a meeting with administration or the agency board of directors. Furthermore, this essential Act establishes a baseline of protections, allowing states and municipalities to enact more comprehensive measures.
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DePaul Community Health Centers: DePaul Community Health Centers (DCHC), founded by the Daughters of Charity, who have served the New Orleans community for more than 190 years, is committed to providing high- quality, comprehensive health care to all members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay. DCHC offers high-quality, affordable health care for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors at eleven (11) community health centers throughout greater New Orleans. Services include primary and preventive health care, pediatrics, dental, optometry, chronic disease management, podiatry, prenatal care, behavioral health, Women, Infants & Children (WIC) services, and onsite laboratories and pharmacies.
