Thousands of families across the Lowcountry struggle to afford diapers for their babies.
The inability to provide a sufficient supply to keep an infant or child clean, dry and healthy, also known as diaper need, was already a significant issue for families before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
Now, in the wake of mass unemployment and widespread financial distress, the demand for free diapers has surged dramatically. As a result, many families across the country are turning to local diaper banks to help meet basic needs.
“We’ve seen a 222 percent increase in diaper needs since COVID started,” said Beth Meredith, president of the Junior League of Charleston.
One in three families struggle with diaper need, according to the National Diaper Bank Network.
The pandemic has only exacerbated this need.https://t.co/3bjriGNZjo
— The Post and Courier (@postandcourier) September 24, 2020