California’s Assembly Bill 798, effective January 1, expands the State Emergency Food Bank Reserve Program. Now, it includes diapers and wipes alongside food supplies for families during declared emergencies. Before this bill, the program primarily focused on food aid. This change recognizes the critical need for hygiene products for infants.
Introduced by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, AB 798 received unanimous support with a 78-0 vote. Many families struggle with the high cost of diapers, which can reach around $100 each month for every child under two years. Calderon emphasizes diaper insecurity, stating that avoiding diaper needs is a significant public health issue and a barrier to economic stability.
Melissa Clark, an English teacher and mother, highlights the emotional burden this places on families. She notes that worrying about basic needs like diapers adds stress to already challenging times. She believes that additional government support can alleviate some of that pressure.
Meghan Crowell, from the non-profit Help-a-Mother-Out, points out that diaper demand often spikes during emergencies. Natural disasters like wildfires can leave families scrambling for essential supplies, including diapers. Crowell explains that the need for diapers is ongoing and often heightens during crises.
Erica Padilla-Chavez, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz, shares insights from a past flooding emergency where many families lost everything. Many residents, especially families with young children, were in desperate need of diapers. During that crisis, Padilla-Chavez witnessed firsthand the struggles parents faced and the immediate need for diapers and wipes.
Community organizations like Help-a-Mother-Out partner with other nonprofits to distribute diapers during emergencies. They work together, tapping into both local resources and private donations to ensure families receive the support they need. Second Harvest operates similarly, managing diaper supplies and distributing them to various organizations that serve the community.
Recent data shows that 37% of households in Santa Cruz County earn under $77,000 annually, underscoring the critical nature of such support. In 2025, Second Harvest distributed over a million diapers, demonstrating the extensive need amid a vulnerable population.
As Clark suggests, supporting families with basic necessities like food and diapers builds a strong foundation for future resilience. Initiatives like AB 798 are steps toward easing the burdens on families in need, ensuring they can care for their little ones with dignity and security.
Source link
