For many families and households across LA County, diapers are a basic necessity. Yet for parents and caregivers already struggling with the rising costs of housing, food, transportation, childcare, and groceries, keeping up with diaper costs can quickly become overwhelming.

At the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, we believe supporting families means caring for our neighbors through a variety of essential resources, including diapers, that help communities thrive. Through diaper assistance efforts and partnerships with community organizations, we help provide essential supplies that empower families to live sustainably healthy lives. 

The Hidden Reality of Diaper Insecurity 

Diaper insecurity, the inability to afford enough diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy, impacts millions of families across the country, reports the National Diaper Bank Network. With nearly 1.3 million children under age 3 in California and roughly half of families with young children reporting diaper need nationally, diaper insecurity remains a major challenge for families across Los Angeles County and the state.

Without enough diapers, babies can face increased risks of diaper rash, infections, discomfort, and disrupted sleep. Parents and caregivers may feel stress, anxiety, and shame as they try to stretch limited supplies longer than what is deemed safe. 

Children of low-income households are at the most significant risk of facing the effects of diaper needs because many can’t afford diapers. Families should not have to choose between buying diapers, food, rent, utilities, or other necessities. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are federal assistance programs that help provide healthcare and nutrition to low-income families. 

Related: The Food Bank’s Diaper Program Continues to be Essential in a Time of Need

For families already juggling rising living expenses, diaper assistance can help create greater household stability while allowing caregivers an opportunity to focus resources on other essential needs. 

Supported From the Very Beginning

This year, California announced a first-in-the-nation initiative to help address diaper insecurity for new parents. Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled the “Golden State Start” program, which will provide approximately 400 free diapers to newborns delivered at participating hospitals across the state, with an initial focus on hospitals serving large numbers of Medi-Cal patients. 

This statewide effort is designed to help lighten the financial strain during one of the most vulnerable and expensive periods for families with newborns. Programs like this help shed light on diaper insecurity and underscore the importance of ensuring every child has access to basic essentials from the very start. 

The Food Bank remains committed to supporting children, parents, caregivers, and older adults with essential resources, including diaper assistance. Every diaper distributed represents comfort for a child, relief for a parent, and support for a family navigating difficult circumstances. 

As the cost of living continues to rise, programs that provide food and essential household supplies remain an important lifeline for many households across our communities.