What Is A Diaper Bank?

A diaper bank is a non-profit organization that functions similar to a food bank, but provides diapers to under-resourced families and those in need, which includes relief supplies to those affected by natural disasters.

What Is Diaper Need?

Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep a person clean, healthy, happy, safe, and dry due to an inability to afford or access these basic needs.

How Important Are Diaper Banks?

Diaper need is a growing problem in our country. According to new data from The NDBN Diaper Check 2023: Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families,  1 in 2 U.S. families with young children cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infant or child clean, dry, and healthy. These babies are more vulnerable to painful rashes and urinary tract infections and have more trips to the doctor. 1 in 4 parents miss work or school because they can’t afford the diapers required to leave their baby in Childcare.

How Much Do Diapers Cost Each Month?

Diapers, according to BabyCenter, can cost $70-$80 per month, per child, especially when purchased in smaller bundles because the cost per item is much higher than when supplies are purchased in bulk. The cost of diapers has increased about 48% since the pandemic, for a total of about $1,000 a year. The specific cost will vary depending on the brand used and where the diapers were purchased. Babies need up to 12 diapers a day for the first year and toddlers need about eight, which is a total of about 2,500 to 3,000 diapers a year.

Can People Buy Diapers Using Government Programs Like SNAP or WIC?

Safety-net programs such as WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) and Food Stamps awarded through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) do not cover diapers. They are nutrition programs administered by the Department of Agriculture. As a result, many young families struggle to provide diapers to satisfy this basic need.

Diapers can be bought with TANF cash assistance, but nationwide only 23 percent of families living below the Federal Poverty Level receive cash assistance through TANF. Florida is a state providing TANF but in the states that do provide TANF, fewer than 10 of every 100 families in need receive cash assistance. The funds they do receive are insufficient to buy diapers and pay all the other expenses (utility bills, rent, other hygiene essentials, clothing, etc.) that money is supposed to cover.

Does Tampa Bay Diaper Bank Distribute Cloth Diapers?

Tampa Bay Diaper Bank does not distribute cloth diapers. To use cloth diapers, a family must either hire a diaper service at a monthly charge or have reliable access to laundry facilities. Many laundromats prohibit the washing of cloth diapers in their machines for sanitary reasons and the majority of licensed daycare centers do not accept cloth diapers. Instead, they require parents and caregivers to provide a steady supply of disposable diapers.​​

How Does Tampa Bay Diaper Bank Get Diapers?

Donations from people in the community, partnerships with businesses, and bulk purchasing through NDBN* enable us to provide diapers at a reduced cost, maximizing the impact of every donation.

*NDBN is the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN), which works in partnership with local diaper banks in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. We are a proud member of this organization. 

NDBN also collaborates with allied programs, donors, sponsors, and elected officials who share the common goal of ending diaper need in the United States.

How does Tampa Bay Diaper Bank get its funding?

Our funding comes from grants and generous individuals like you. These donations are crucial and allow us to continue our mission and expand our reach each year. 

We are also grateful to the Junior League of Tampa for their volunteer team and Feeding Tampa Bay for warehouse space, which helps keep our operating expenses low.

How Does Tampa Bay Diaper Bank Get Diapers To Families?

Tampa Bay Diaper Bank distributes diapers through a trusted network of local partner agencies, focusing on nonprofits, educational institutions, and health organizations. This ensures supplies reach those most in need efficiently and respectfully. To learn more about our partner list, visit our program page: https://www.tampabaydiaperbank.org/program.

How Can My Organization Become A Nonprofit Partner?

Tampa Bay Diaper Bank opens the application and review process for a limited time each year. At this time, we are not onboarding additional partners as we continue to assess our current capacity and work toward scaling our operations. We are in the process of establishing our new 501(c)(3), and during this transitional period, we’re carefully evaluating the needs submitted through the application process against what we’re able to support in the near future.

That said, completing the Partner Application is still an important step. It helps us better understand your program’s needs and allows us to keep you in consideration as our capacity evolves. If you are interesting in becoming a future partner, please complete this Form.

How Can I Volunteer?

We have volunteer opportunities monthly located at our partner Feeding Tampa Bay’s warehouse. Upcoming volunteer opportunities coming soon.

How Do I Become A Corporate Sponsor?

Tampa Bay Diaper Bank has a variety of funding opportunities for Corporate Sponsors. Please email  Operations@tampabaydiaperbank.org to discuss what best fits for your organization.

How Can I Donate Diapers?

There are several ways to donate diapers. Tampa Bay Diaper Bank accepts open or unopened packs of diapers at our Diaper Bank collection points around Tampa Bay. You can shop the Tampa Bay Diaper Bank Wish List on Amazon and have the items of greatest need shipped directly to us, or give a financial donation. 100% of your gift will be used to purchase essential supplies for the Diaper Bank. To learn more about the different ways to donate, visit our Get Involved page: https://www.tampabaydiaperbank.org/get-involved

How Can I Make A Monetary Donation?

100% of your gift will be used to purchase essential supplies for the Diaper Bank, including diapers at discounted prices. Click here to donate : https://www.tampabaydiaperbank.org/get-involved

Tampa Bay Diaper Bank has applied for 501I(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS. Our application is currently pending review. If our application is approved, donations will be tax-deductible retroactively to our incorporation date, to the extent allowed by law. Please be aware that the IRS’s approval of our status is subject to their discretion, and there is no guarantee of approval. Donors cannot claim a tax deduction until our 501I(3) status is officially granted.

Do You Collect Anything Other Than Diapers Like Wipes And Creams?

We prioritize collecting disposable diapers to focus on the core need of diapers in our community. We currently do not collect wipes or creams due to hygiene concerns and storage limitations. Opened packages of wipes and creams can be difficult to distribute safely and efficiently.

How Can I Host A Diaper Drive?

Individuals in the community can host Diaper Drives at their work places, schools, religious organizations, or special events. Diaper Drive Application to host a diaper drive coming soon.