Assembly Resolution No. 1535

BY: M. of A. Rules (Magnarelli)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 14-20, 2026, 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 two 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 Manhattan, Every Bottom
Covered of Buffalo, the Junior League of Central Westchester, Little
Essentials of Brooklyn, NYC Mammas Give Back of Manhattan, Foodlink of
Rochester, The Food Pantries of Albany, HopeLine of the Bronx, Baby
Steps Baby Pantry at Christ Lutheran Church of Newburgh, Her Village
Inc. of the Bronx, It takes a Village Diaper Bank of Waterville, Moms
for Moms of Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Diaper Project, Expecting Relief of
Brooklyn, Queens Diaper Bank, Twin Tier Baby Bank of Painted Post,
Cooperstown Food Pantry, the Diaper Bank of Orange, Ulster and Sullivan
Inc., the Sharing Shelf of Port Chester 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 14 - September
20, 2026, 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.