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 experience 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 Women Infant and Children 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, Bundles of Hope recognizes that addressing Diaper Need can lead to economic opportunity for the state’s low-income families and can lead to improved health for families and their communities; and

WHEREAS, Alabama is proud to be home to Bundles of Hope which highlights the importance of diapers in helping provide economic stability for families and distribute diapers to poor families through various channels; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 26th, through October 2nd, 2016, as

Diaper Need Awareness Week

in the State of Alabama and encourage the citizens of Alabama to donate generously to diaper banks, diaper drives and those that distribute to families in need to help alleviate Diaper Need in our great state.

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 1st day of September 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor