Diaper need occurs whenever a family is unable to purchase an adequate supply of diapers for their child. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 1 in 2 families struggles face diaper need in our country. Assistance is limited when it comes to diapers as families are unable to use WIC or SNAP benefits to purchase them.
The impact of diaper need is far reaching:
- Health Issues – Without enough diapers, children are more susceptible to rashes and other skin issues.
- Stress and Anxiety – Children are more likely to cry for extended periods increasing parental stress.
- Barriers to Work – 25% of parents experiencing diaper need report missing work because they do not have enough diapers to drop their child off at daycare
Diaper need is especially critical to address in northeastern New York. According to the US Census Bureau, child poverty doubled in the US between 2022 and 2023 hitting 12.4%.
Local Child Poverty Rates (full story from NCPR):
- Clinton County 16.9%
- Franklin County 27.1%
- Essex County 12.3%
At the ADK Diaper Bank, we believe that all families deserve to keep their children clean, healthy and dry.