California has helped fund diaper banks for years. Families need that support to continue

Our government and its policies should reflect the values of the communities it serves.

This is especially true in a budget shortfall year when tough spending decisions need to be made. Years like this one provide insight on the true priorities of our elected officials, while also giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to their constituents.  

The cost of diapers has reached upwards of $100 per month, per child, which significantly impacts families, especially those already struggling to make ends meet. Because of this, families have been seeking out help from diaper banks across California. 

In 2018, the state providing funding over three years to organizations to help purchase and distribute infant diapers to low-income families. This reinforced the belief that the state government was committed to providing essential resources to alleviate poverty.

The state doubled down on its commitment again in 2021 and allocated $30 million over three years to twice as many organization. This funding enabled 160 million diapers to to be distributed to over 1 million families, helping over 1.6 million infants.

Diapers became a valuable part of our social safety net infrastructure, but funding is now set to expire in June. Without a $23 million extension in this year’s budget, diaper distribution to low-income families will cease to exist in California.

This would be a travesty. 

Nearly half of families reportedly struggled to afford diapers last year, according to research from the National Diaper Bank Network. Due to the cost, especially in bulk, low-income families are facing difficult choices that could even lead to lost wages. An estimated 57% of parents and caregivers reportedly missed four days of school or work each month because they did not have enough diapers to drop their child off at child care.

Not only is the cost a barrier for families in poverty, but a lack of diapers can also result in unhealthy conditions for infants. This could lead to caregivers trying to prolong diaper usage, creating potentially greater costs in medical treatment for those who develop rashes or infections.

The amount of relief that mothers and families express from receiving diapers is intense and impactful. You just know you’re making a difference. Diaper banks provide economic and stress relief for families, and also play a part in preventing medical issues for babies. 

I don’t personally have children, but learning and witnessing how diapers can affect so many different aspects of a family has been astonishing. I’ve received countless thank-you letters from clients expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the OC diaper bank. A mother once showed up to one of our Saturday distributions and was moved to tears when she was told that we could provide her with diapers for her 6-month-old baby. She said that she was down to her last two, was not getting paid for another week, and didn’t know what she was going to do.

She gave the entire staff a hug and expressed tremendous gratitude toward us – and relief for her baby. 

To avoid losing this crucial resource that so many families have come to rely on, state leaders must affirm their values in this year’s budget and continue to provide diapers and wipes to families in need across California.