Second Harvest often partners with community organizations that ask for diapers to distribute from us. However, in late spring, we were delighted by unprecedentedly large distributions from both the Indiana Diaper Bank and the National Diaper Bank Network. To make sure these diapers weren’t just sitting in our warehouse, we sought out and partnered with Ross Community Center for a direct diaper distribution. We were delighted by this opportunity to provide these amazing resources to our neighbors.
While our core mission is to address food insecurity, our infrastructure and network of partners allow us to expand our offering to a wide array of essential resources, including diapers. “These resources are important,” explains Shawna Waters, Youth Initiatives Manager, “because we know that on average, a typical family has a 50-diaper gap per month, and when you look at that challenge for people with multiple kids, that’s even more of a gap.”
We brought 800 packs (about 40,000 total diapers) to our distribution, handing out a majority of them and leaving the rest with Jacquie at the Ross Community Center. This partnership means we’re able to provide for hundreds of children. The overall feeling of gratitude was overwhelming and humbling.
40,000 Diapers / 50 per child monthly = 800 children
“Everything under the sun is going up in price, and that makes it harder on families,” Shawna says, reflecting on the fortuitous timing of this donation. “If you’re resource insecure, if you’re making minimum wage, you’re going to struggle to make ends meet and make hard choices. Do you buy diapers for kids or feed them? These basic need items are necessary items. That’s why I feel like it’s important.”
We’re grateful for everyone who helps us provide diapers and other essential resources to neighbors in need. If you’re looking for diapers for your family, find a partner near you!
