What is Diaper Need?

What is Diaper Need?

Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of items to keep someone clean, healthy, happy, safe, and dry due to an inability to afford or access products as needed.

What is a Diaper Bank?

A diaper bank functions like a food bank, but provides diapers, wipes, menstrual products, incontinence items, and other basic necessities to under-resourced families and those in need, including relief supplies to those affected by natural disasters, the government shutdown/furlough, and other situational loss scenarios.

Why is this issue important?

47% of families struggle to purchase diapers in the United States (The NDBN Diaper Check 2024: Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families). Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a massive increase in requests for diapers on a national level — and many recipients are from working and/or military households.

How much do diaper supplies cost each month? 

Diaper supplies can easily cost more than $100 per month, per child, especially when purchased in smaller quantities, because the cost per item is much higher than when items are bought in bulk.

Can families buy diapers and period supplies through WIC or with Food Stamps? 

No. Safety-net programs such as WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) and Food Stamps awarded through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) do not cover the cost for diapers or period products, and we do not advocate that they should.

Are diapers taxed in Georgia?  

Georgia is one of 23 states that tax diapers in the United States, even though it has one of highest maternal mortality rates in the country.  The OTM team is working diligently with Senators, Members of Congress, the Governor’s office, local politicians, and state legislators to remove this tax burden from families throughout the state.

What is the impact of a lack of diapers?

Sadly, someone can spend a day or longer in one diaper, leading to potential health issues such as staph and urinary tract infections and diaper dermatitis, or severe diaper rash. The inability to provide enough clean diapers can also lead to other issues, detrimental to a family’s physical, mental, emotional, and educational well-being. 

Do daycare centers provide diapers?

No, yet most licensed daycare centers require that caregivers provide a steady supply of disposable diapers for their child to be enrolled. Therefore, without a constant supply of diapers, some families cannot take advantage of free or subsidized child care. Diaper insecurity creates barriers in the workforce for caregivers. Diapers = Job Security.

Do you distribute diapers to individual families? 

We supply items through partner provider agencies that work directly with families in need. We also offer items once a month through our Moon Locker program and at community giveaways (see Events page for more information) throughout the region.

Group of children and adults standing in front of a church sign, holding bags filled with items, smiling and posing for the photo.
Two young women wrapping diapers on a white table during a baby shower or party in a bright, airy room with large windows. Several other people are in the background, some standing and some seated, with some participating in similar activities.
A girl standing next to a sign for Over the Moon Diaper Bank, which provides free diapers, wipes, and personal hygiene items to Savannah families in need. She is smiling, wearing a light gray t-shirt with a yellow sun and blue text, and denim shorts. In the background, there are other people and items related to the diaper bank event.