Resolution 230587

..Title Recognizing the week of September 18 through 24 as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" in Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, Diaper need, the condition of not being able to afford a sufficient supply of clean diapers to keep babies and toddlers clean, dry, and healthy, can adversely affect the health and well-being of children and their families; and WHEREAS, National surveys and research studies report that one in three families struggle with diaper needs and 48 percent of families delay changing diapers to extend the available supply; and WHEREAS, A daily or weekly supply of diapers is 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, Many parents struggling with diaper need report missing an average of five days of work each month because of an insufficient supply of diapers; 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 that permits them to go to work or school, thereby destabilizing the family's economic prospects and well-being; and WHEREAS, Philadelphians recognize that diaper need is a public health issue, and addressing diaper need can lead to improved health for children, thus ensuring all children and families have access to the basic necessities needed to thrive and reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, Through their important work of addressing diaper needs, diaper banks play a critical role in supporting families and improving infant health and well-being; and WHEREAS, Philadelphia is proud to be home to trusted community-based organizations, including the Center for Leadership/Fresh Bottoms Diaper Bank, Cradles to Crayons, Pamper and Diaper My Baby, Mitzvah Circle Foundation, and The Greater Philadelphia Diaper Bank, which 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, We thank the aforementioned diaper banks, their staff, volunteers, and donors, for their courageous service during the pandemic, and encourage Philadelphians to donate generously to diaper banks, diaper drives, and support those organizations that collect and distribute diapers to families struggling with diaper need, so all of Philadelphia's children and families can thrive and reach their full potential; now, therefore be it, RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes the week of September 18 through 24 as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" in Philadelphia. ..End