Mapping Diaper Insecurity in the US: Why Local Donation Programs Matter
A baby can use thousands of diapers before reaching potty-training age, yet millions of American families struggle to afford that basic necessity every month. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 1 in 2 U.S. families with young children experiences diaper need, a growing issue connected to rising living costs, childcare expenses, and inflation. As community organizations respond with local support programs, campaigns like the Ivy Kids annual diaper drive in Texas and Georgia are drawing more attention to how diaper insecurity affects families across the country. Why Diaper Insecurity Is Becoming a Larger National Issue Diaper insecurity refers to the inability to afford enough clean diapers to keep a baby or toddler healthy, dry, and comfortable. While food assistance programs often help families cover groceries, diapers are not consistently covered under federal assistance programs such as SNAP benefits. That leaves many parents paying entirely out of pocket for an expense ...