More southeast Kansas babies will have one of their basic human needs met — diapers — thanks to the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK).
Through CFSEK’s 2024 general fund grant for basic human needs the Southeast Kansas Diaper Stock received $2,500 to purchase diapers.
“We are thankful to receive the grant, and we know that each family who receives them are even more thankful,” said Julie Laverack, Patient Education and Support Manager. “According to the National Diaper Bank Network, in 2024, over 50% of families struggle with diaper need. This can make it difficult for families to be accepted into childcare facilities, leaving them unable to work.”
In their first year of life, babies use approximately 2,500 – 3,000 diapers; on average, diapers cost from $0.20 to $.30 per diaper. Parents can expect to spend about $500-$900 annually, not including diaper supplies like wipes. One in two families experience a diaper shortage of around 50 diapers a month. Diapers cannot be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The Southeast Kansas Diaper Stock was created to bridge the diaper gap in Crawford County. The diaper stock is a collaboration of local partners who came together with a common purpose — to get babies clean diapers. CHC/SEK was involved in the project’s inception and absorbed the program under its umbrella. Currently, the diaper stock serves over 350 families each month.