Diaper Need Awareness Week proclaimed in Lincoln as families face rising costs

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Around 11 million children in the U.S. and almost 73,000 in Nebraska wear diapers, according to the National Diaper Bank.

And 1 in 2 families in the U.S. struggle to afford diapers.

On Tuesday, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird declared Diaper Need Awareness Week in Lincoln from Sept. 15 to 21.

For some, they’ve become an expense they simply can’t afford.

“We have four kids, and a lot of times we had two kids in diapers, and that could be really challenging at times,” said Tegan Reed, executive director of the Nebraska Diaper Bank. “We were thankful to have a family member who often drop diapers on our front doorstep.”

Rising costs have left families making tough choices.

According to the National Diaper Bank, the average cost of a monthly supply of diapers ranges from $80 to more than $100.

Reed said she knows firsthand the stress so many parents are facing, saying some have little money available to keep a baby clean, dry and healthy.

“Our goal really is that no family should have to make a choice between providing a diaper and paying for rent, providing food or a diaper,” she said.

Next week, Gov. Jim Pillen also plans to sign a proclamation for Diaper Need Awareness Week.

Reed said people can pick up diapers at the Center for People from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

She wants to let those who are struggling know there is hope.

“I would just tell a family that is in need of diapers that we’re here for you,” she said. “We’ve got you. We’re happy to help you.”