Assembly Resolution No. 2327 BY: M. of A. Rules (Magnarelli) MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 23 - September 29, 2024, as Diaper Need Awareness Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, Diaper need, the condition of not having a sufficient supply of clean diapers to ensure that infants and toddlers are clean, healthy, and dry, can adversely affect the health and welfare of infants and toddlers as well as their families; and WHEREAS, National surveys report that one in two mothers experience diaper need at some time while their children under the age of three, and 48% of families delay changing diapers to extend their supply; and WHEREAS, The average infant or toddler requires an average of 50 diaper changes per week over the course of three years; and WHEREAS, Diapers cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) vouchers; a sufficient supply of diapers can cost as much as 6% of a full-time minimum wage worker's salary; therefore, obtaining a sufficient supply of diapers can cause economic hardship to families; and WHEREAS, A supply of diapers is generally an eligibility requirement for infants and toddlers to participate in childcare programs and quality early education programs; and WHEREAS, The citizens of the State of New York recognize that addressing diaper need can lead to economic opportunity and improved health for low-income families and their communities; and WHEREAS, New York State is proud to be home to various community organizations, including the Central New York Diaper Bank, the Allied Foundation of Melville, Good Plus Foundation of Manhattan, Every Bottom Covered of Buffalo, the Junior League of Central Westchester, Little Essentials of Brooklyn, NYC Mammas Give Back of Manhattan, the Junior League of Rochester Diaper Bank, the Food Pantries of Albany, HopeLine of the Bronx, Baby Steps Baby Pantry at Christ Lutheran Church of Newburgh, Catholic Charities-Archdiocese of New York Diaper Distribution of Manhattan, Her Village, Inc., of the Bronx, It takes a Village Diaper Bank of Waterville, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier Diaper Bank Program of Elmira, Moms for Moms of Manhattan, the Brooklyn Diaper Project of Brooklyn, and 914Cares of White Plains; these organizations recognize the importance of diapers for providing economic stability for families and distribute diapers to low-income families through various channels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 23 - September 29, 2024, as Diaper Need Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.