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Observing Diaper Need Awareness Week from September 27, 2021 to October 3, 2021.
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WHEREAS, Diaper need, the condition of not having a sufficient supply of clean diapers to keep babies and toddlers clean, dry, and healthy, can adversely affect the health and well-being of babies, toddlers, and their families; and
WHEREAS, National surveys and research studies report that one in three families struggles with diaper need, and 48 percent of families delay changing a diaper to extend the available supply; and
WHEREAS, Infants and toddlers go through six to 12 diapers each day during the two to three years they wear diapers: and
WHEREAS, Purchasing enough diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy can consume 14 percent of a low-wage family's post-tax income, making it difficult to provide the necessary supply; and
WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, diaper banks across the country saw enormous increases in demand for diapers and expanded their distribution of diapers by an average of 86 percent; and
WHEREAS, A daily or weekly supply of diapers is generally an eligibility requirement for babies and toddlers to participate in childcare programs and quality early-education programs that enable children to thrive and parents to work; and
WHEREAS, Without enough diapers, babies and toddlers risk infections and health problems that may require medical attention resulting in medical costs, and parents may be prevented from accessing childcare needed to go to work or school, thereby destabilizing the family's economic prospects and well-being; and
WHEREAS, The people of Philadelphia recognize that diaper need is a public health issue, and addressing diaper need can lead to economic opportunity for the state's families and communities and improved health for children, thus ensuring all children and families have access to the necessities required to thrive and reach their full potential; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is proud to be home...
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