Since its inception in 2017, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank’s Diaper Bank Program has distributed more than 40 million diapers to families in need - supporting struggling parents with the diapers necessary to help their children stay in childcare.   

For many families, diapers are simply unaffordable, and parents are required to provide 8–10 diapers per day for childcare—but countless families can’t meet that need. Without access to diapers, children are turned away from care, and parents are unable to attend work or school – activities that help help them towards self-sufficiency.

A study by San Diego State University found that 73% of diaper bank recipients are employed yet still struggle to afford basic necessities. Diaper support helps bridge that gap and ensures that families don’t have to choose between paying bills and keeping their children in childcare.

California recognizes the importance of this need and has funded diaper banks for almost 10 years as part of a statewide effort to support families. But current funding is set to expire in June 2026.

We’re calling on state legislators to act now and renew this critical program at $16.5 million annually to ensure that families across California continue to have access to this essential support.