The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced new funding for the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot. This announcement coincides with National Diaper Need Awareness Week.

The fourth cohort of grant recipients will receive $8.4 million to expand diaper distribution and support services in six states and one tribe. Additionally, $7.5 million in supplemental awards will be provided to 13 grant recipients from the first two cohorts. The total funding for the Diaper Distribution Pilot now stands at $40.2 million since its inception in September 2022.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of this initiative: "When families can’t afford diapers, it affects everything from a child’s physical health to caregiver’s emotional wellbeing." He added that this funding is part of a broader strategy to improve maternal care under the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis.

The seven new grants will benefit families in Indiana, Georgia, The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Colorado, Florida, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. These grants aim to strengthen existing diaper distribution networks and provide additional support services such as job training, educational support, housing services, and food and nutrition services.

Thirteen previously funded programs will continue their work in Arizona, Iowa, Virginia, Washington, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, California, Maryland, Ohio, Utah, Massachusetts and The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation. These programs will use supplemental funds to maintain their diaper distribution efforts while connecting families to other community resources.

"Diapers can be costly; no caregiver should have to choose between buying diapers and paying for food," said ACF Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Hild. He noted that these grants are a step toward ensuring every child can thrive in a healthy environment.

Dr. Lanikque Howard from the Office of Community Services highlighted the program's dual focus on alleviating diaper need and providing wraparound services: "The continued growth and investment in the Diaper Distribution Pilot means more families across the country will receive this critical support as they raise their children."