The Diaper Bank has teamed up with The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. As a result, truckloads of diapers are delivered in bulk and distributed to other agencies and food pantries upon request.

Diaper need is a silent crisis in the United States. Diapers are a basic need for children, as essential to their health and well-being as food and shelter. Yet nearly one in three families in America struggle to afford diapers for their children.

“What is happening in our community is that babies who may need six to ten diapers a day are getting one, two or maybe three – depending on resources,” said Phil Shaltz, co-founder of the Flint Diaper Bank. “Women are taking diapers off their babies and shaking them out or blow drying them to reuse. That’s a problem.”

The Diaper Bank was established in 2012 to provide diapers, free of charge, to approximately 4,500 children up to the age of three who are living under the poverty level in Genesee County.

“Babies sitting in a soiled diaper for hours can result in a crying child, which can be a precursor to child abuse,” Shaltz said.

Reusing soiled diapers can also lead to rashes and even diseases.

“The thought of a family having to choose between food, utilities, or diapers for their babies and toddlers breaks my heart,” said Jocelyn Hagerman, CEO of The Hagerman Foundation. “We were pleased to be able to contribute to this valuable program.”