DeLauro, Lee Introduce Legislation to Address Diaper Need

U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Barbara Lee (CA-12) introduced legislation to address diaper need in the United States. The End Diaper Need Act of 2023 would create a $100 million demonstration program for distributing free diapers and diapering products in states, communities, and nonprofits around the nation to help reduce the diaper need in low-income families and underserved communities. The members also introduced a resolution that hails the week of September 18 as National Diaper Need Awareness Week.

“Families across the United States are struggling with the rising cost of living and stagnant wages that do not keep up with their expenses. Sadly, one in three families do not have enough diapers to keep their children clean and healthy,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “We cannot allow that to continue. That is why I introduced the End Diaper Need Act with Congresswoman Lee, to provide families with supports that provide them with financial security. I am also proud to join her in expressing our gratitude to local diaper banks and distribution programs that help support children who need diapers. I will always fight to ensure families have the resources they need to thrive.”

"Parents deal with enough stress - basic childcare necessities like diapering supplies should not be another contributor," Congresswoman Barbara Lee said. “Since before the pandemic, millions more people have fallen into poverty, creating severe challenges for families across the country to afford basic necessities like diapers. Low-income families with infants spend 14% of their income on diapers alone – that is unacceptable. It is past time for Congress to provide this basic need to improve the health and well being for millions of children.”

“Congresswoman DeLauro knows that diapers matter. She was the first Congressional leader to champion efforts to end diaper need in the U.S. and to support diaper bank programs. Our movement would not be where it is without her hard work,” said National Diaper Bank Network CEO Joanne Samuel Goldblum. “I am so grateful for her tireless advocacy and so pleased that the End Diaper Need Act has been reintroduced during National Diaper Need Awareness Week. Once again, Rep. DeLauro has given people who care about children something to celebrate.”

The text of the End Diaper Need Act of 2023 can be found here. The text of the National Diaper Bank Need Awareness Week resolution can be found here.

When she was Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman DeLauro helped establish the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot, or the Diaper Distribution Pilot. The pilot program helps provide grants to Diaper Banks and Distributors to serve families through a robust network of community partners that helps provide anti-poverty services.

Recently, the Connecticut Association for Community Action received a grant award for $1.2 million from the Diaper Distribution Pilot to help Connecticut families get access to clean diapers and other resources that will support their families and children.  Community partners for diaper distribution in Connecticut’s Third District include the Diaper Bank of Connecticut, Connecticut Foodshare, and the Community Action Agency of New Haven.