Assembly Resolution No. 417

BY: M. of A. Magnarelli

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
September 27 - October 3, 2021, as Diaper Need
Awareness Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Diaper Need, the condition of not having a sufficient
supply of clean diapers to ensure that infants and toddlers are clean,
healthy and dry, can adversely affect the health and welfare of infants,
toddlers and their families; and

WHEREAS, National surveys report that one in three mothers
experience diaper need at some time while their children are less than
three years of age and forty-eight percent of families delay changing a
diaper to extend their supply; and

WHEREAS, The average infant or toddler requires an average of 50
diaper changes per week over three years; and

WHEREAS, Diapers cannot be bought with food stamps or WIC vouchers,
and a sufficient supply of diapers can cost as much as six percent of a
full-time minimum wage worker's salary, therefore obtaining a sufficient
supply of diapers can cause economic hardship to families; and

WHEREAS, A supply of diapers is generally an eligibility requirement
for infants and toddlers to participate in childcare programs and
quality early education programs; and

WHEREAS, The people of New York recognize that addressing Diaper
Need can lead to economic opportunity for the State's low-income
families and can lead to improved health for families and their
communities; and

WHEREAS, New York is proud to be home to various community
organizations including: the Central New York Diaper Bank, the Allied
Foundation of Melville, Good Plus Foundation of NYC, Every Bottom
Covered of Buffalo, the Junior League of Central Westchester, Kids in
Need of Diapers Project of Owego, Little Essentials of NYC, NYC Mammas
Give Back, ROC City Bottoms Diaper Bank of Rochester, the Food Pantries
of Albany, the HopeLine of the Bronx and Things of My Very Own, Inc. of
Schenectady that recognize the importance of diapers in helping to
provide economic stability for families and distribute diapers to poor
families through various channels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 27 - October
3, 2021, as Diaper Need Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.