By: Samantha Cole
Updated: Jan. 5, 2017
Originally Published: Dec. 23, 2016
In a heartfelt initiative aimed at supporting struggling families, the White House has taken significant steps to address an often-overlooked issue: diaper need. Alarmingly, one in three American families faces this challenge, struggling to afford the essential diapers their infants require. In a poignant statement, former President Obama highlighted the mental health implications, noting that mothers unable to provide enough diapers are more susceptible to depression and other mental health issues.
While some families have managed to offset diaper costs by purchasing in bulk online, many still lack access to these resources. Joshua Hill, a Director of Product Management in the Office of Digital Strategy, emphasized the financial burden, stating that low-income parents can spend as much as 14 percent of their income on diapers alone, leaving little for necessities like rent and food. The stress of such a choice can lead to severe health problems for children and overwhelming anxiety for parents. “I can’t imagine what it would be like to be a parent needing to choose between diapers and other essentials,” Obama remarked.
To alleviate this burden, the White House collaborated with Huggies, Jet, and various nonprofits to boost diaper donations to the most vulnerable families in America. You can also play a role in this initiative:
- Volunteer at one of the 300 National Diaper Bank Network locations.
- Start your own diaper bank.
- Organize a diaper drive with friends, your church, or school community.
- Donate unused diapers to a local diaper bank.
- Utilize your Huggies rewards points to donate diapers; they are currently doubling donated points until year’s end, which you can track on the Rewards app for iPhone and Android.
- Contribute to your favorite nonprofit through the Jet Cares Community Program.
- Help sustain diaper banks through monetary donations.
- Donate essential items like diapers and diaper bags through Baby2Baby.
As Huggies Brand Director, Lisa Matthews, stated, “Our commitment is to ensure babies receive what they need to thrive.” This year alone, Huggies donated over 48 million diapers and wipes to families in need, bringing their total contributions to 200 million since launching their program in 2010.
The White House also shared additional partnerships making strides in closing the diaper gap. The JetCares Community Diaper Program has successfully shipped almost 5 million diapers to nonprofits, with some organizations doubling their distribution capabilities thanks to the initiative. Pampers contributed nearly 19 million diapers and wipes to Feeding America food banks, while Baby2Baby distributed five million diapers to 120 nonprofits this year. The Honest Company also joined the movement, donating a million baby and household items along with three million diapers.
“No parent should ever have to worry about keeping their baby clean and healthy due to financial constraints,” Obama stated. “Regardless of political affiliation, we all share responsibility in fortifying our families and communities.”
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In summary, the efforts to combat diaper need represent a significant push toward supporting families in America. With combined efforts from the government, businesses, and communities, we can work together to ensure that every child has access to the basic necessities they need to thrive.