UFB Diaper Program
Like food, diapers are a basic necessity that thousands of Utah families struggle to afford.
Recognizing the strong connection between diaper and food insecurity, Utah Food Bank welcomed Utah Diaper Bank into our organization in 2025, allowing us to broaden access to essential resources for the families we serve. Diaper insecurity, which affects nearly half of families with young children in the US, is the inability to afford an adequate supply of diapers. It can impact the physical health of children in addition to maternal health and household income, resulting in long-lasting consequences
Families who struggle to afford groceries are frequently forced to make impossible choices—like whether to buy food or diapers. An adequate supply of diapers can cost upwards of $100 per month. This cost burden only exacerbates food insecurity, with 1 in 4 families facing diaper insecurity nationwide reporting having skipped meals to afford diapers. Without an adequate supply, parents may be unable to access childcare—which often requires families to provide diapers—leading to missed work and lost income. These challenges compound, deepening the cycle of poverty.
By supporting the UFB Diaper Program, you help ensure parents across Utah can provide their children with two essentials every day—a full tummy and a clean diaper. Donations made via the link below will be used specifically for the purchase of diapers, and you can also donate diapers directly at any of our Food Drop-Off Locations. Help us provide hope, nutrition and a clean start for every child in Utah.
Utah Food Bank: Every Child Covered
1 in 2 US families with young children struggle to afford diapers.
UFB Diaper Program FAQs
- Can families use government assistance programs like SNAP or WIC to buy diapers?
No. Programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) do not cover diaper purchases, leaving a significant gap for families in need.
- How does my support of UFB Diaper Program help?
By donating to UFB Diaper Program, you’re helping families across Utah meet two of their children’s most essential needs: a full tummy and a clean diaper. By giving diapers, you help protect the health of babies, reduce parental stress, support access to childcare and employment, and fight poverty at its roots. When you donate using the button above, your donation will be restricted to specifically purchase diapers, helping us ensure that our statewide network of partner agencies can keep diapers on the shelves of pantries, alongside the food we distribute.
- What is diaper need?
Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep a baby clean, dry, and healthy. It affects nearly 1 in 2 U.S. families and can have serious consequences for a child’s health and a family’s stability.
- How much do diapers cost families each month?
Infants may go through up to 12 diapers per day, while toddlers typically need about 8. That adds up to hundreds of diapers each month, costing approximately $100 per month (per child in diapers).
- How does diaper need impact access to childcare and employment?
Most childcare providers require parents to supply disposable diapers. Nationally, 1 in 4 parents and caregivers with diaper need reported having to miss work or school because they did not have enough diapers to drop their child off at childcare. These caregivers reported missing an average of 5 working days in the past month, resulting in a loss of $296 per month for a parent earning the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Add to that the cost burden of purchasing diapers, and it’s easy to see how diaper need can push people even deeper into the cycle of poverty.
- How can I host a Diaper Drive?
If you are interested in hosting a diaper drive, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator at [email protected] or 801.887.1266. Utah Food Bank will also offer the opportunity to host DIY fundraisers with all donations being restricted to the purchase of diapers. Look for more information soon!