Assembly Resolution No. 577

BY: M. of A. Magnarelli

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 18-24, 2023, 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 48 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 Manhattan, Every Bottom
Covered of Buffalo, the Junior League of Central Westchester, Little
Essentials of Brooklyn, NYC Mammas Give Back of Manhattan, The Junior
League of Rochester Diaper Bank, The Food Pantries of Albany, HopeLine
of the Bronx, Baby Steps Baby Pantry at Christ Lutheran Church of
Newburgh, Catholic Charities-Archdiocese of New York Diaper Distribution
of Manhattan, Her Village Inc. of the Bronx, It takes a Village Diaper
Bank of Waterville, The Food Bank of the Southern Tier Diaper Bank
Program of Elmira, Moms for Moms of Manhattan, The Brooklyn Diaper
Project of Brooklyn and 914 Cares of White Plains that recognize the
importance of diapers in helping provide economic stability for families
and distribute diapers to low-income families through various channels;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 18-24, 2023, 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.