Social Safety Net Doesn't Include Diapers

by Josie Raymond · 2010-01-08 20:20:00 UTC
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Wait -- what? Diapers aren't covered by WIC? Nope, says The Nation, pointing to the worthy six-month-old non-profit Help a Mother Out. The organization exists to collect and distribute disposable diapers to needy moms in California (and spreading). Help a Mother Out was started by a small group of moms alarmed by the number of women and children living in poverty in California. When they asked shelters what they needed most, they heard the same thing again and again: diapers.

Here's why: diapers are expensive ($28 for 124 newborn-size Pampers at Walmart right now, even more at corner stores in low-income neighborhoods), not covered by public assistance, not donated by diaper companies unless you have sextuplets and get on TV, and required at daycare centers. (Cloth diapers aren't permitted at most laundromats and daycares.)

Babies are, as you know, awfully poopy. It costs about $100 to keep a child adequately changed for a month. That's like providing another meal a day. If you were struggling, would you give your baby three meals a day and not change the diaper, or feed her twice and keep her dry? It's an impossible decision. Interested in donating? Find more info here.

Photo credit: anitapatterson

Josie Raymond has reported from the streets of the South Bronx, written for several magazines that folded (not her fault) and fixed thousands of typos.
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