Collins Joins Bipartisan Group in Urging Support for Families, Front Line Workers in Need of Diaper Assistance During COVID-19
Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services in Portland expects to exhaust a new donation of 260,000 diapers—roughly the size of their average annual distribution—within the next few months.
Washington, D.C. —With parents facing layoffs due to unprecedented unemployment during COVID-19, plus recent reports of diaper shortages as a result of stockpiling and supply chain issues, U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) in urging the Senate to support low-income families and front line workers who are in critical need of diaper assistance to provide for the health and safety of their children.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, nonprofit diaper bank distribution only met five to six percent of diaper need. Most diaper banks, which were already oversubscribed and had waiting lists for partner agencies, are now facing severe supply shortages due to the demand increase as more families experience job loss during this pandemic,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Senate leadership. “Having access to these services is especially imperative for our essential workers so that their children can be accepted into daycare or childcare facilities. Essential workers should not have to worry about diaper need becoming a barrier for accessing childcare. We urge you to prioritize the need of low-income families and front-line workers who are in critical need of diaper assistance to provide for the health, safety, and economic security of their children.”
“Approximately 1 in 3 families in Maine experience diaper need, and that number has only increased in recent weeks,” said Karli Efron, Director, Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services in Portland. “Diaper banks across the country are working to keep babies safe, dry, and healthy. As we move forward, it is essential that families continue to have access to diapers, wipes, and additional supplies. Thank you to Senator Collins and all those who acknowledge the struggle of families experiencing diaper need and are working to alleviate this supply shortage.”
Non-profit, community-based diaper banks distribute more than 80 million diapers annually. However, most diaper banks were already oversubscribed even before the COVID-19 pandemic and had waiting lists for partner agencies. Now, diaper banks are facing severe supply shortages. For example, Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services in Portland expects to exhaust a new donation of 260,000 diapers—roughly the size of their average annual distribution—within the next few months. We Care in Machias has also experienced increased demand and is continuing to serve families by transitioning to delivery.
In addition to Senators Collins, Ernst, and Murphy, the letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).
Click HERE to read the full letter.
