WHEREAS, diaper need, when families do not have a sufficient supply of clean diapers to keep babies and toddlers clean, dry, and healthy, can adversely affect the health and well-being of babies, toddlers, and their families; and

WHEREAS, national surveys and research studies report that one in two families struggle with not having an adequate quantity of diapers, and 48 percent of families delay changing a diaper to extend their supply; and

WHEREAS, children go through 6 to 12 diapers each day during the two to three years they wear them, consuming 14 percent of a low-wage family’s post-tax income and making it difficult to obtain a sufficient supply; and

WHEREAS, a daily or weekly quantity of diapers is generally an eligibility requirement for babies and toddlers to participate in childcare programs and quality early-education programs; and

WHEREAS, many parents struggling with diaper need report missing an average of five days of work each month due to the inability to provide the required supply of diapers for their child’s childcare or early-education program; and

WHEREAS, without enough diapers, babies and toddlers risk infections and health problems that may require medical attention, and may prevent parents from attending work or school, thereby impacting the family’s economic prospects and overall wellbeing; and

WHEREAS, citizens of Virginia recognize that addressing diaper need can improve the health of children, as well as provide economic opportunity for families and communities, to ensure all children and families have access to the necessities required to thrive; and

WHEREAS, through their important work of addressing diaper need, diaper banks play a critical role in supporting families, improving infant health and wellbeing, and advancing our local and state economic growth; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is proud to be home to the Virginia Diaper Bank Network that recognizes the importance of diapers and collects, stores, and distributes diapers to families through various channels;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 23-29, 2024, as DIAPER NEED AWARENESS WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.