Shakkira Harris

Mar 27, 2020

INDIANAPOLIS — The Women's Fund of Central Indiana announced an emergency grant for the Indiana Diaper Bank on Thursday to help Hoosier families affected by the impact of COVID-19.

The Indiana Diaper Bank was granted $10,000 to provide diapers and wipes for 2,500 children throughout Central Indiana, with each family receiving a free bundle of diapers — that equates to 62,500 diapers. Enough to fill a semitruck.

The diapers will be distributed through a network of social service agencies to ensure supplies are distributed to families with infants and babies in a timely manner.

Families and individuals in need of free diapers should also call 211.

One in three families report not having a sufficient supply of diapers to keep their children clean, healthy and dry, according to Rachael Suskovich, CEO of the Indiana Diaper Bank.

Diapers, on average, cost a family $100 a month. The Indiana Diaper Bank has many families they serve with more than one child in diapers at one time — meaning families could be paying $200 to $300 a month.

"We are already seeing a rapid change in accessibility from manufacturers," Suskovich said. "I anticipate regulations will continue to tighten, making it even harder to receive supplies. With threats of layoffs and the business closures, we anticipate the need for basic baby essentials will increase among our most vulnerable families."

Indiana has been named a "diaper desert" and government programs, such as SNAP or WIC, cannot be used towards purchasing diapers, according to Suskovich.