Nearly 50% of all families in the United States today struggle to provide the diapers their children need, a sharp increase from 33% in 2010. This issue, known as “diaper need,” has wide-reaching consequences that impact nearly every facet of a family’s life and contributes to devastating, lifelong challenges.  

Many people are shocked to learn that government assistance programs like food stamps and WIC do not allow parents to purchase diapers. Currently, there are no federal assistance programs to help with the cost of diapers. While diaper banks do an incredible job providing essential support to families in need, these organizations can only meet 3% of the demand.

To address this critical issue, I am proposing the Diaper Distribution Pilot Program. Based on a successful model in Illinois, this innovative approach differs from traditional diaper banks by providing eligible families with a monthly digital eCard. The card is currently accepted by over 6,200 retailers nationwide, including Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, and can only be used to purchase diapers and wipes.

In Illinois, the program rapidly scaled from zero families served to nearly 5,000 in just 90 days. The program consistently hits high utilization rates, confirming that the benefit reaches families who need it.

Please join me in supporting this important push to ensure that families across the Commonwealth have the resources they need to care for their children effectively. Together, we can close the gap in diaper access, improve family well-being, and create a brighter future for our children.