What is a Diaper Bank?

A diaper • period • hygiene bank functions like a food bank, but provides diapers, wipes, and other hygiene supplies to under-resourced families and those in need, which includes relief supplies to those affected by natural disasters.

What is Diaper Need?

Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep a person clean, healthy, happy, safe, and dry due to an inability to afford or access these basic needs.

How important is this?

47% of families struggle to purchase diapers in the United States (The NDBN Diaper Check 2023: Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families). Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a massive increase in requests for diapers on a national level — over 14% higher than before and many are coming from working households.

How much do diapers cost each month? 

Diapers and supplies can easily cost more than $100 per month, per child, especially when purchased in smaller bundles because the cost per item is much higher than when supplies are purchased in bulk.

Can families buy diapers and period supplies through WIC or with Food Stamps? 

No. Safety-net programs such as WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) and Food Stamps awarded through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) do not cover the cost for diapers or period products. Also, Georgia is one of 23 states which tax diapers in the United States even though it has one of highest maternal mortality rates in the country.  The OTM team is working hard with our Senators, Members of Congress, and regional politicians to remove this tax burden from families throughout the state and to assist our citizens as much as possible.

What is the impact of a lack of diapers for a child / person / adult?

Sadly, a baby (or person) can spend a day or longer in one diaper, leading to potential health issues such as staph and urinary tract infections and diaper dermatitis, or severe diaper rash. The inability to provide enough clean diapers can also lead to other issues detrimental to a family’s physical, mental, emotional, and educational well-being. 

Do daycare centers provide diapers?

No, yet most licensed daycare centers require that caregivers provide a steady supply of disposable diapers in order to be enrolled; Therefore, without a constant supply of diapers, some families cannot take advantage of free or subsidized child care.

Do you distribute diapers to individual families? 

We supply items through partner provider agencies who work directly with families in need. We also offer items at monthly community giveaways (see our Events page for more info) throughout the region.

What is period poverty?

Like diaper need, period poverty is the inability to afford or access the basic supplies for menstruation. Learn much more here!