Here’s How Western New York Moms Can Get Free Diapers From NYS

If you're the parent of an infant, you don't need to be reminded about the price of diapers.

However, for some Western New York mothers in need, the state has announced a program to get diapers for free.

Governor Cuomo announced the program, in which diapers will be available for free at food banks across the state.

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“COVID-19 has piled challenge after challenge onto hardworking New York families, including the ability to afford the products they need to care for their children,” Cuomo said.

Baby2Baby, a national nonprofit, is heading efforts to establish the "diaper bank" with a donation of 20 million diapers, reports Fast Company.

Baby2Baby cofounders and Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof said they’ve seen a 350% increase in requests for diapers since the start of the pandemic almost a year ago. “You ask a low-income mom what her biggest struggle is, and she starts with diapers,” Weinstein said.

Existing benefit programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), don’t cover diapers. And according to Weinstein, many food banks aren’t permitted to use their funding for diapers.

This new program, called the New York State Cares + Baby2Baby Diaper Bank is "part of the Governor's broader agenda on women's issues."

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