It is reported that nearly one half (47%) of families nationwide cannot afford to provide sufficient supply of diapers for their families. Lack of diapers also leads to missed days of childcare, missed days of work for parents, as well as physical and mental health issues. For the first time in history, the federal government is supporting the overwhelming need for diapers across the country through the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot run by the Office of Community Services in the Administration for Children and Families. The MASSCAP Diaper Distribution Program includes distribution of at least 3.5 million diapers plus wipes through a hub and spoke model that includes 15 Community Action Agencies and Diaper Banks in MA and CT over a two-year period.
CFC has been acting as one of these aforementioned diaper hubs for the Southcoast region, supplying diapers to PACE, Inc., Self-Help, and Cradles to Crayons. After 6 months of distribution across the state:
Approximately 1.3 million diapers distributed so far
Approximately 10,000 packs of wipes distributed
+1,600 families reached
Nearly 75% of diaper program children served identify as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish ethnicity
We are elated at CFC to be one of the hubs of this great pilot program and we cannot wait to see the full impact of this program!