$1.2M in new grant funding to expand Indiana's Diaper Distribution Networks

This month, the Indiana Community Action Association (IN-CAA) received a grant of $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS') Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot (DDDRP).

This award will help IN-CAA and its partners expand diaper distribution services and connect participating families with other programs that address the causes and conditions of poverty. The award will support caregivers who struggle to maintain enough diapers to keep their children safe, dry, and healthy.

This year, the DDDRP, a program of the HHS’ Office of Community Services (OCS), is awarding $8.4 million to support seven new grant recipients. Indiana is a part of the fourth cohort of grant recipients. With this award, the DDDRP, which is the first-ever federally funded program for diaper assistance, will now serve 24 states and four tribal nations through more than $32 million in grant awards.

“Community Action is about meeting community members’ needs throughout their lives. This means providing access to diapers for newborns and their parents, allowing Hoosier families to thrive,” said Ed Gerardot, Executive Director of the Indiana Community Action Association. “We are so grateful to the DDDRP grant for supporting IN-CAA and our partners as we work towards a vision of well-being for all Hoosier families."

IN-CAA will use the DDDRP funds to increase the capacity of two diaper banks and two Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to provide diapers, wipes, and diapering supplies to more families in their service areas. Additionally, IN-CAA plans to conduct research on the program outcomes and provide trainings and technical assistance to the participating diaper banks and CAAS to improve diaper distribution efficiency and expand program access. The expansion of diaper distribution is targeted to assist families with low incomes that currently qualify for other assistance programs, like WIC. Furthermore, the CAAs plan to provide wraparound services that support financial stability for beneficiaries.

Diapers will be distributed through partnerships between Community Action Agencies and community partners. "Healthier Moms and Babies is excited to partner with Brightpoint in Northeast Indiana to expand our diaper distribution program," said Paige Wilkins, CEO of Healthier Moms and Babies. "This collaboration addresses the growing need for diapers among community families. Through this collaboration, we aim to meet this essential need and provide comprehensive wraparound services that support families on their path to self-sufficiency."

Another distribution point for diapers will be the Indiana Diaper Bank. "Thanks to the DDDRP grant, Indiana Diaper Bank can expand our reach while providing even more diapers to families in need, expanding to Northwest Indiana," said Ashley Burns, CEO of the Indiana Diaper Bank. "Every diaper distributed is a step toward health, dignity, and relief for the one in two parents and children in diaper need in our community."

The consequences of diaper need extend beyond the physical health of children: without a sufficient supply of diapers, families with low incomes face significant obstacles to economic security. Lack of diapers can make it challenging to secure childcare, potentially preventing caregivers from going to work and making it difficult for families to achieve self-sufficiency.

This difficulty is something that Jen Trowbridge, CEO and President of CoAction, has encountered among individuals served by the organization. "We’ve talked to parents about hard choices. When you are living paycheck to paycheck, an extra bill can force you buy less diapers, leading to less frequent changes. Babies and toddlers need the best start to life and adding diapers to WIC nutrition will change lives."

Jennifer Malone, Chief Services Officer of CoAction, added, "We're thrilled to launch a diaper distribution program in Northwest Indiana in coordination with our WIC clinics. Access to diapers is essential for the health and well-being of infants and toddlers, but many families struggle with the cost. By providing this basic necessity, we're not just supporting child health and nutrition- we're easing the financial burden on parents and caregivers, allowing them to focus on nurturing their little ones."

For more information about these grants, visit the Diaper Distribution Pilot homepage.