By NCI
Diapers are essential for parents of young children. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 57% of parents and caregivers report missing an average of 4 days of school or work per month for lack of access to diapers. Childcare centers require a weekly supply of them from the family.
To meet this need, the San Diego Food Bank started the Diaper Bank, the first in the state, in 2017. Since then, it has distributed 34.5 million diapers, 8.5 million in 2024 alone. Period products are also part of the Food Bank service.
In California, diapers are considered a workforce development resource. The governor’s office has a plan to provide 3 months of free diapers for babies born in the state, and the San Diego Food Bank is working to continue this service after three months.
MiraCosta Food Pantry provides free diapers to students who are parents thanks to the San Diego Food Bank.
