National Diaper Need Awareness Week is 9/24/22 through 10/2/22
Diaper need affects 1 in 3 families in the United States. Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep a baby clean, dry, and healthy.
The National Diaper Bank Network and Diaper Bank of the Ozarks estimate the monthly cost of diapers is $60 to $100 per month per baby. 5 million infants
and toddlers live in poor and low-income families, and there is no government program that helps with access to diapers, even though it is a basic need.
What is the impact of diaper need?
● Diaper need impacts the physical, mental, and economic well-being of children and their families.
● The poorest 20 percent of Americans with infants and toddlers spent nearly 14 percent of their after-tax income on diapers in 2014.
● Most child care centers require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers(four to six changes during the day). Without diapers, babies cannot participate in early childhood education. Without child care, many parents cannot go to work or school.
What is a diaper bank?
● Diaper banks and diaper pantries are nonprofit organizations that focus on addressing diaper need by collecting, storing, and distributing free diapers to struggling families.
● Diaper banks and diaper pantries obtain diapers through local diaper drives, in-kind donations, and by purchasing diapers directly with donated funds.
How to find diaper assistance in the Springfield, Missouri area:
Are you experiencing diaper need for your infant or toddler? Visit the Diaper Bank of the Ozarks website, where you can find a local agency that distributes diapers across the Ozarks, or submit an application for the FREE cloth diaper loan program. Call for additional information or help: (417) 501-4411.
Ways to Support Diaper Bank of the Ozarks:
- Donate Funds. Visit www.diaperbankoftheozarks.org/donate to donate. This helps Diaper Bank of the Ozarks purchase diapers for families they support. They have wholesale accounts and can stretch your donation further by purchasing by the pallet or even truckload! A $28 donation sponsors one child for a month. Donated funds also support the FREE cloth diaper loan program!
- Donate Diapers. All sizes of diapers are accepted, with a particular need for larger sizes and pull-ups.
- Volunteer. Diaper Bank of the Ozarks has current volunteer needs for repackaging diapers, preparing diaper orders, and organizing the stock. Groups & individual volunteers are welcome! Send an email to info@dbozarks.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
- Spread Awareness. Share this article with your friends and family so they can learn about the community's diaper needs and ways they can support Diaper Bank of the Ozarks.
Diaper Banks of the Ozarks distributes diapers through 31 partner agencies in the Springfield metro area.
