Facts:
Most childcare facilities require parents to provide diapers for their child. Nationally, 57% of parents experiencing diaper need who rely on childcare said they missed an average of four days of school or work in the past month because they didn't have diapers. An average monthly supply of diapers costs approximately $80. The only federal assistance program that can be used for diapers is TANF, but TANF must cover many other expenses, including heat, electric and water bills, rent, clothing, transportation, and other basic needs. Little, if any money is available to purchase enough diapers to keep a baby clean, dry, and healthy. Diaper poverty has a significant impact on family self-sufficiency with the lack of financial assistance and potential loss of income due to missed days at work. No child in our community should be without basic necessities. So we are helping to fill the gap for emergency diapers to families in our community by establishing the Four Rivers Community Health Center Diaper Bank.
