Resolution 210715

..Title Observing Diaper Need Awareness Week from September 27, 2021 to October 3, 2021. ..Body WHEREAS, Diaper need, the condition of not having a sufficient supply of clean diapers to keep babies and toddlers clean, dry, and healthy, can adversely affect the health and well-being of babies, toddlers, and their families; and WHEREAS, National surveys and research studies report that one in three families struggles with diaper need, and 48 percent of families delay changing a diaper to extend the available supply; and WHEREAS, Infants and toddlers go through six to 12 diapers each day during the two to three years they wear diapers: and WHEREAS, Purchasing enough diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy can consume 14 percent of a low-wage family's post-tax income, making it difficult to provide the necessary supply; and WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, diaper banks across the country saw enormous increases in demand for diapers and expanded their distribution of diapers by an average of 86 percent; and WHEREAS, A daily or weekly supply of diapers is generally an eligibility requirement for babies and toddlers to participate in childcare programs and quality early-education programs that enable children to thrive and parents to work; and WHEREAS, Without enough diapers, babies and toddlers risk infections and health problems that may require medical attention resulting in medical costs, and parents may be prevented from accessing childcare needed to go to work or school, thereby destabilizing the family's economic prospects and well-being; and WHEREAS, The people of Philadelphia recognize that diaper need is a public health issue, and addressing diaper need can lead to economic opportunity for the state's families and communities and improved health for children, thus ensuring all children and families have access to the necessities required to thrive and reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, Philadelphia is proud to be home to trusted community-based organizations including Center for Leadership, Development & Advocacy (CLDA Diaper Bank), Cradles to Crayons, Pamper and Diaper My Baby, Mitzvah Circle Foundation, and the Greater Philadelphia Diaper Bank, that recognize the importance of diapers in ensuring health and providing economic stability for families and thus distribute diapers to families through various channels; and WHEREAS, These diaper banks and their staff and volunteers continue to serve on the front lines of Philadelphia COVID-19 pandemic response helping families in our communities' weather the crisis; and WHEREAS, While experiencing double, triple, or greater increase in demand for diapers due to the pandemic and economic shutdown, these diaper banks continue to do everything in their ability to increase diaper distributions and support children and families in need of immediate assistance; and WHEREAS, Now that our state is recovering from the pandemic, diaper banks are playing a critical role in supporting families and advancing our collective economic growth; and WHEREAS, Thank you diaper banks, their staff, volunteers, and donors, for their courageous service during this crisis. We encourage the citizens of Philadelphia to donate to and support diaper banks and their diaper drives helping Philadelphia's families; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Observes Diaper Need Awareness Week from September 27, 2021, to October 3, 2021. ..End