Upcoming Events

The Nashville Diaper Connection
Highlighting Diaper Need  in Tennessee

Would you believe that diapers are not covered under any federal or state programs (such as WIC, food stamps/SNAP, or Medicaid)? Diapers are in the same “forbidden” category as alcohol and cigarettes on EBT cards. That means families have to use cash or funds on hand to pay for diapers for their infants and toddlers! In Nashville, at least 1 out of every 3 babies does not know where their next diaper is coming from. And in some parts of the state, it’s even higher, with 3 out of 5 babies not having a next diaper.

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Average income for a family of two at poverty threshold:

$1,437 PER MONTH

Average cost of diapers for one baby:

$93 PER MONTH

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Families often have to choose between food and diapers.

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Diaper need creates a cycle of poverty. Without a supply of 8 diapers per day, babies cannot go to childcare or participate in early childhood education. Babies who participate in early childhood education are 2.5 times more likely to go on to higher education. Without much-needed childcare, many parents cannot go to work or school. This causes homes with more tension, less nurturing and possible abuse. An uncomfortable baby cries more, which can lead to mistreatment and neglect. Sitting in a wet diaper without being changed enough can cause diaper rash, which can lead to secondary infections with fever, blisters, boils, fever, a rash beyond the diaper area, pus and weeping discharge.

Nashville Diaper Connection’s mission is to ensure that every baby in the state has enough diapers to remain clean, dry and healthy.  Please bring any size diapers to our February 16 meeting.  We will also be collecting cash or  checks or you can also donate directly to The Nashville Diaper Connection. You can find out more from Lauren Barca lauren_barca@uhc.com  or www.nashvillediaperconnection.org .