A federal diaper distribution program in Massachusetts and Connecticut led to significant health and financial gains for families, according to a new report.
More than 3.5 million diapers along with wipes and other needed supplies were given to more than 3,000 families over the past two years.
Richard Sheward, director of system implementation strategies for Children’s HealthWatch at Boston Medical Center, said employment rates among these parents rose by 10% while stress levels declined.
“When parents aren’t scrambling to buy diapers, they’re able to redirect that money to the essentials that are needed like rent, or medications or food,” Sheward explained.
He pointed out incidents of severe diaper rash also decreased and caregivers reported improvements in their mental health. Backers of the program are now hoping to make it permanent. More than one-third of Massachusetts families said they cannot afford enough diapers for their children.
Diapers alone can cost up to $1,500 per child under age four, yet the basic need is not covered by existing public safety net programs like SNAP or WIC. Many parents said they are unable to leave their infants at child care without providing ample diaper supplies.
Sheward noted introduced legislation in Massachusetts would create a state diaper fund to help stabilize more families, allowing them to focus on their long-term goals.
“A permanent funding source coming from the Commonwealth would really eliminate a lot of uncertainty,” Sheward stressed. “It would really formalize things, provide stability that would then lead to health and economic improvements that we documented.”
Sheward recounted one program participant reported she was better able to focus on school and completing her degree without having to worry about her diaper supply. He added the infrastructure is already in place to continue the diaper program statewide. Community action agencies currently distributing diapers report long waitlists of families in need.