Assembly Resolution No. 2327

BY: M. of A. Rules (Magnarelli)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 23 - September 29, 2024, 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
and toddlers as well as their families; and

WHEREAS, National surveys report that one in two mothers experience
diaper need at some time while their children under the age of three,
and 48% of families delay changing diapers to extend their supply; and

WHEREAS, The average infant or toddler requires an average of 50
diaper changes per week over the course of three years; and

WHEREAS, Diapers cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
vouchers; a sufficient supply of diapers can cost as much as 6% 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 citizens of the State of New York recognize that
addressing diaper need can lead to economic opportunity and improved
health for low-income families and their communities; and

WHEREAS, New York State 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 914Cares of White Plains; these organizations
recognize the importance of diapers for providing 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 23 - September
29, 2024, 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.