It’s a well-known fact that many families in the U.S. face financial hardships. But what does “struggling” truly mean for these households? A staggering one in three American families experiences what’s known as “diaper need,” meaning they can’t afford enough diapers for their little ones.
Today, the White House has called for action to “expand access to affordable diapers for the nation’s most vulnerable families.” Major online retailers like Jet.com, diaper brands such as Huggies, and various nonprofits are joining forces to improve diaper accessibility for those in need.
In response to this urgent call, Huggies has stepped up, pledging to donate 22 million free diapers to the National Diaper Bank Network. Kimberly-Clark, Huggies’ parent company, has been actively addressing diaper need for years, having become the founding sponsor of the National Diaper Bank Network in 2010 and donating an impressive 160 million diapers since then. “We are delighted to see this issue receiving national attention and will continue to support efforts to combat diaper need,” said Alex Johnson, president of Kimberly-Clark Baby and Child Care North America.
Huggies is also running a special campaign: for every diaper donated through Huggies Rewards until April 10, they will match those donations, potentially leading to a total of 24 million diapers donated to families in need this year.
If you’re not using Huggies, don’t worry—there are plenty of other ways to contribute:
- Spread awareness by using the hashtag #DiaperGap on your social media.
- Locate a diaper bank nearby where you can donate.
- Consider becoming a diaper distributor. If you’re involved with a nonprofit, your organization might qualify for Jet.com’s Community Diaper Program, allowing you to buy discounted Cuties Economy Plus Packs for distribution. Nonprofits can purchase these packs starting late April, while everyone else can also access them.
The White House emphasizes, “We want every child to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.” This can be achieved by leveraging the resources of our modern economy, as no family should have to choose between their child’s health and meeting basic living expenses.
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In summary, diaper need affects a significant number of families in America, and it’s crucial for us to come together to help those in need. Whether through donations or raising awareness, we can all play a part in ensuring that no child is left without the essentials they require.