Diaper & Period Product Drives
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey plays a crucial role in alleviating hunger and food insecurity for individuals and families across the state. One of the key ways we accomplish this is through product drives, which are essential in ensuring a steady supply of nutritious foods and products for those in need.
By supporting product drives, such as those for diaper need or period poverty, individuals and organizations can come together to make a tangible impact and help fight hunger in New Jersey.
What is Diaper Need?
Nearly 1 in 2 families in the U.S. cannot afford diapers? Babies require up to 12 diapers per day, which adds up to $70-$80 per month per child — a cost many struggling families simply cannot afford. One in four parents & caregivers with diaper need reported missing work or school because they didn’t have enough diapers to drop off their child off at daycare. In addition, diapers are not covered by most federally funded public assistance programs such as SNAP (formerly food stamps) or WIC because they are not food items. Simply put, no parent should have to make the impossible choice between food and diapers for their child.
What Is Period Poverty?
Period poverty is the lack of access to sanitary products, toilets, menstrual hygiene education, hand washing facilities, and/or waste management*. Lack of access to these period supplies is closely tied to poverty and under-resourced communities. It often results in stress and shame, as well as time lost from school and work.
Much like diapers, period supplies are not covered by most federally funded public assistance programs because they are not food items. Period poverty is a public health issue, resulting in mental health issues, including feelings of shame, hopelessness, and isolation, as well as poor bodily hygiene and significant risks to physical well-being.
*American Medical Women’s Association, October 2019