Diaper Need Awareness Week

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama

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, toddlers and their families; and

WHEREAS, national surveys report that one in three mothers experiencing diaper need at some time while their children are less than three years of age and forty-eight percent of families delay changing a diaper to extend their supply; and

WHEREAS, the average infant or toddler requires an average of 50 diaper changes per week over three years; and

WHEREAS, diapers cannot be bought with food stamps or WIC vouchers, 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 infant and toddlers to participate in childcare programs and quality early education programs; and

WHEREAS, the people of Alabama recognize that addressing diaper needs can lead to economic opportunity for the state’s low-income families and can lead to improved health for families and their communities:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 28, through October 4, 2015, as

Diaper Need Awareness Week

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 21st day of August 2015.

Robert Bentley
Governor