As co-founder and Executive Director of NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank, Jannette Festival has spent more than a decade ensuring Canada’s most fragile babies have access to the life-saving benefits of donor human milk. Since opening in 2012 as the country’s only community-based milk bank, NorthernStar has grown into a trusted lifeline for families across the Prairies, collecting and pasteurizing donated milk from healthy mothers and distributing it to hospitals, pharmacies, and homes. In this interview, Jannette reflects on the organization’s journey, the critical role of donor milk in infant health, and how communities can help make equitable access a reality for every baby who needs it.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank is Canada’s only community-based milk bank. We collect surplus breast milk from screened, healthy mothers, pasteurize it, and provide it to sick and fragile babies in hospitals, pharmacies, and homes across the Prairies. Our mission is to ensure that every baby who needs human milk has access to it, regardless of their family’s financial situation. Through community support and donor generosity, we have helped thousands of families and advanced research into the unique benefits of human milk.
What problem does it aim to solve?
The milk bank addresses the critical problem of feeding sick and fragile babies when their own mother’s milk is unavailable. Without access to safe donor human milk, these infants are often given formula, which can increase health risks such as infections and complications, especially for premature babies. By ensuring an equitable supply of pasteurized donor milk, we give families the choice to provide the very best nutrition and protection for their newborns, regardless of their circumstances.
When did you start/join it?
I co-founded NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank in 2012, with the vision that no baby in Canada should miss out on the protection of human milk because of circumstance.
What made you want to get involved?
As a lactation consultant, I saw firsthand the heartbreak of parents who desperately wanted to provide breast milk for their fragile babies but couldn’t. I knew that if we could bring together the generosity of donor mothers with a safe, reliable system, we could take away some of that fear and helplessness for families at one of the most stressful moments of their lives.
What was the situation like when you started?
At the time, Canada had only one milk bank, leaving most families without access. Parents often had no choice but to turn to formula or even unsafe, informal sharing. There was a real gap in support, and a strong need to create a trusted, community-based solution.
How has it changed since?
Today, NorthernStar has helped thousands of babies and families. Donor milk is now available in hospitals, pharmacies, and even directly to families at home. We’ve built a trusted system that connects the generosity of donor mothers with the urgent needs of sick and preterm babies. Parents who once had no options now feel supported, reassured, and empowered to give their babies the very best start.
What more needs to be done?
Access to donor milk in Canada is still not equitable. Some families benefit from hospital programs, while others are left to cover the full cost once discharged, or don’t even know donor milk is an option. For fragile babies, donor milk is not just food, it’s medicine — and it shouldn’t depend on a family’s financial situation or postal code. That’s why we need insurance companies to step up and cover donor milk when prescribed. Families should not have to choose between their baby’s health and their ability to pay.
How can our readers help?
You can make a difference in several ways:
- Spread the word — Many families don’t even know donor milk is an option. Sharing our mission helps us reach those who need it most.
- Support our Medical Relief Fund — Your donations ensure babies go home with the milk they need, even when families can’t afford it.
- Encourage change — Help us advocate for insurance coverage of donor milk. For fragile infants, it is medicine, not just food.
- Become a milk donor — If you’re a breastfeeding parent with more than your baby needs, your gift can save lives.
- Even small actions — a donation, a conversation, a share on social media — bring us closer to making donor milk equitably available to every baby who needs it.
Do you have any events coming up?
Our biggest upcoming event is the Willow Park Charity Classic in 2026, where we’re honoured to be the featured charity partner. This tournament will be the focus of our fundraising efforts as we work toward building a larger facility to serve more families.We also host a monthly Breastfeeding Café, free for all parents, covering topics like transitioning babies to solids, infant CPR, yoga for mom and baby, and baby massage. It’s both educational and a fun way to build community.In addition, we run free monthly breastfeeding classes taught by a Board Certified Lactation Consultant. These classes attract participants from all over the world and provide professional guidance and support to parents wherever they are.
Where can we follow you?
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PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Girls Forward.
