Hey there, Colorado!
Let’s get real for a sec—how much have you thought about diapers? Not much? That’s okay; most people don’t unless you’ve had to face it head-on.
But here’s the deal: for families struggling to make ends meet, diapers aren’t always just a financi inconvenience—they can also be a struggle to even get. Many families, especially those in rural areas, can find themselves in diaper desert
Diaper deserts?
No, we’re not talking about sandy wastelands covered in Pampers, with a cute camel or two plodding along.
Picture this: you’re a parent juggling bills, groceries, rent, and everything else life throws at you. On top of it all, your baby needs clean diapers—lots of them. But in your neck of the woods, affordab diapers aren’t available, or getting to a store that carries them is just a huge hassle (or completely out of reach).
THAT’S a diaper desert.
The cost of these diapers also can hit as high as $100 per month per child, and here’s the kicker: government assistance programs like SNAP and WIC don’t cover them. That leaves 1 in 3 families nationwide—yes, 1 in 3—struggling with “diaper need.”
Rent or diapers?
Groceries or diapers?
This makes diaper need a real painful struggle for families.
When families can’t access enough diapers, it’s not just about inconvenience either. Babies are at risk of rashes and infections, parents face added stress, and many caregivers can’t enroll their children in daycare without the required diapers, leading to missed work opportunities.
But here’s the good news: there’s hope.
Innovative programs, local heroes, and community-driven organizations are stepping up to tackle diaper need in a big way. So let’s break it all down, talk solutions, and show how we’re making moves in the right direction across the country.
The Good News
Okay, let’s dive into the game-changers. Across the U.S., innovative programs are taking this issue head-on, and Colorado is proudly part of the action.
Here are a few standout solutions tackling diaper deserts in creative ways:
1. Diaper Banks on the Rise
Diaper banks are like food banks, but for—you guessed it—diapers. Nonprofits collect donatio and distribute diapers to families in need, ensuring babies stay clean, dry, and healthy.
In Colorado, Justice Necessary (yes, that’s us!) is part of this essential movement. Our work includes hosting diaper drives, partnering with local organizations, and ensuring every donated diaper goes directly to families here in our state.
Organizations like the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) are also paving the way for widespread change. By supporting hundreds of local diaper banks, the NDBN connects families with resources they might not otherwise know about. For example, in Texas, the Austin Diaper Bank provides free diapers to over 10,000 families annually by partnering with schools, shelters, and clinics. That’s a lot of happy, healthy heinies!
2. Legislation to Bridge the Gap
The great state of California has chosen to take a legislative approach, allocating state funds to help families purchase diapers. A recent law provides families receiving CalWORKs benefits with additional stipend specifically for diaper purchases. This policy has inspired similar conversations other states, and the federal government to explore legislative action addressing diaper affordabilit
3. Corporate-Community Collaboration
In New York, programs like Baby2Baby work closely with corporate partners to secure large-scale diaper donations. These partnerships make it easier for smaller organizations to focus on distribution without worrying about supply shortages.
Could similar partnerships be expanded in Colorado? Absodarnlutely!
4. Workplace Drives That Go Beyond Toys
Workplace holiday drives are starting to think beyond toys and turkeys. Companies are now also encouraging employees to donate diapers instead, helping local families while fostering a sense of real community.
At Justice Necessary, we LOVE seeing local Colorado businesses rally their teams for diaper donations. It’s proof that even small actions can create a massive impact.
How YOU Can Help Right Now
Ready to roll up your sleeves (or swipe your credit card)? Here are some easy, impactful ways to get involved:
Donate Diapers or Dollars
Next time you hit Target or Costco, grab an extra box of diapers. Heck, why not a case? Not sure what sizes to pick? Go for sizes 4–6—they’re always in high demand.
Too busy to shop? A monetary donation to Justice Necessary means we can buy in bulk and make those dollars stretch.
Organize a Drive
Whether it’s at work, school, or your gal pals’ book club, hosting a diaper drive is simpler than you think. Set a goal, rally your crew, and collect those diapers.
Spread the Word
Talk about diaper deserts. Post about them. Share articles (like this one maybe – ahem). Awareness is step one, and the more people know, the faster we can put an end to the problem together.
Advocate for Policy Change
Get loud about making diapers more accessible. Write to your representatives (maybe even on a diaper so it will be sure to grab their attention?). Push for programs that include diaper assistance. Colorado has already taken steps to address hygiene equity, but there’s still work to do.
Diaper deserts might not be sexy enough to get the same headlines as other issues, but their impact is huge—and most importantly…solvable.
Together, we can tackle diaper deserts and build a Colorado where no family has to struggle alone. Addressing diaper need isn’t just about helping babies stay clean and healthy (though that’s huge).
It’s about lifting entire communities. Parents who don’t have to worry about diapers can focus on finding better jobs, pursuing education, and building brighter futures for their familie
Here’s the thing: no baby should suffer because their family can’t afford something as basic clean diaper. And no parent should feel the shame of having to choose between keeping the lights on or buying diapers.
By looking at successful programs across the U.S. and building on Colorado’s existing efforts, can create a ripple effect of change—one diaper at a tim
So let’s tackle those diaper deserts together. Justice Necessary is here to lead the charge. Join us!
Whether you’re donating, advocating, or volunteering, every step you take brings us closer to a world where every baby has a clean, dry start.
