April 17, 2024
Opinion: Diapers are a basic necessity many CT families cannot afford
The need is clear: one in two Connecticut families struggles to afford diapers, which cost about 22% more than they did in 2018. For working families, that means making impossible decisions between groceries, heat, and diapers.
April 17, 2024
Advocates Want More Funding for Connecticut Free Diaper Program
1 out of every 2 families have difficulty affording a sufficient supply of diapers for their children. The Diaper Bank of CT is advocating for more funding to continue the Diaper Connections program. Diaper Connections is a statewide partnership between Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) and the Diaper Bank of Connecticut (DBCT) to address diaper insecurity.
October 6, 2023
How to Support the Diaper Bank of Connecticut’s 2023 Healthy Babies Diaper Drive
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – Helping Families in Connecticut keep their babies clean, dry and healthy, The Diaper Bank of Connecticut’s 2023 Healthy Babies Diaper Drive is in full swing, and right now they are halfway to reaching their goal of collecting 500,000 diapers, or the monetary equivalent of that. But they still need your help.
Connecticut’s Morning Buzz Host Natasha Lubczenko recently met with the nonprofit’s CEO Janet Stolfi Alfano and Development Manager Kimberly Spanier, to discuss the tremendous need in our state, and how our viewers might be able to support their efforts.
October 2, 2023
MOMMY MONDAY: Diaper Connections
Thank you WFSB for featuring us on Mommy Monday to talk about Diaper Connections and the Healthy Babies Diaper Drive! We are proud to be working alongside Joseph Zuzel, the Co-Chair of The Diaper Distribution Work Group at Hartford HealthCare, The Connecticut Hospital Association, and our partners to address diaper insecurity in Connecticut.
Watch here!
September 28, 2023
Combating diaper insecurity locally
Diapers seem about as basic as it can get when it comes to human needs, and an inability to access a sufficient supply of them might seem an obscure complication. Yet, according to the National Diaper Bank Network, an estimated one in every two American families can’t afford enough diapers to meet their children’s needs.
Read more here!
September 18, 2023
The Diaper Bank of CT to host diaper drive during National Diaper Need Awareness Week
By Courtney Ingalls
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – It is National Diaper Need Awareness Week and nearly one in two families struggle to afford diapers to keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy.
The Development Manager at The Diaper Bank of CT, Kimberly Spanier, and the Director of Health Equity and Community Engagement at Connecticut Hospital Association Dr. Selina Osei joined News 8 to talk about the struggles parents face and their upcoming diaper drive.
Read more here!
September 18, 2023
Diaper Pilot Program Aims to Keep Families Healthy, Working
by Kathryn Carley
Massachusetts groups will be part of a new federal pilot program to help low-income families ensure they have the diapers they need to keep both babies and parents healthy.
Studies show a lack of diapers for their babies as the top predictor of postpartum depression in new mothers, while 60% of American families report missing work or school when they cannot bring diapers to child care.
Read more here!
June 27, 2023
Milford law firm collects 20K diapers for families in need
By Braley Dodson
MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Thousands more diapers will soon be available to families in need after a Connecticut law firm collected more than 20,000.
The Carter Mario Law Firm held a diaper drive from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day as a way to support parents throughout the state.
“As everybody who has a kid knows, diapers are like a precious commodity,” Carter Mario said.
Read more here!
June 8, 2023
Kraft Family, Patriots Foundation and Gillette Donate $275,000 in the Names of 2023 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award Winners
Bobbi Dynice of Marblehead, Mass. presented with $10,000 donation for The Diaper Bank of CT
Bobbi first got involved with the Diaper Bank of Connecticut as a student at Quinnipiac University when she volunteered with her peers to count, sort and repack diapers. Since then, she has continued to volunteer with the organization and promote its mission, whether it is engaging her fellow students through a panel discussion or conducting a campus wide diaper drive.
“I had the opportunity to take a course offered by the Honors Program in collaboration with the Psychology Department on the topic of diaper need and maternal mental health. I became incredibly interested in the complexity of this issue and the multiple systems that intertwine and result in this gap for families,” said Bobbi. “Overall, volunteering with the diaper bank has been such a wonderful opportunity for me, both personally and professionally as a future Occupational Therapist (OT). I have learned more about the systems barriers that contribute to generational poverty and systemic oppression. I am so grateful for all I have learned so far and the connections I have made volunteering at the Diaper Bank.”
Read more here!
February 22, 2023
State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest Joins CHA and Diaper Bank in Call for Medicaid Coverage for Diapers
By Ronni Newton
Diaper insecurity is a very real thing, and access to this basic necessity has a health impact for both mothers and children, state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest said Tuesday as she was joined with representatives of the Diaper Bank of Connecticut, Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA), and Nurturing Families Network at Day Kimball Healthcare to advocate for covering diapers through Medicaid.
Read more here!
February 21, 2023
Proposal would let Connecticut families use Medicaid to buy diapers
By Braley Dodson
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A proposed bill in Hartford would allow families to use Medicaid to buy diapers.
“For mothers, not being able to access diapers for their children is a leading cause of postpartum depression, and we know for infants, not having access to clean diapers can cause many health concerns,” Rep. Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford) said.
The bill’s backers said that one in three families struggle to buy diapers. The Connecticut Diaper Bank said the bill would impact 90,000 babies in the state.
Read more here!
February 22, 2023
Lawmakers To Debate Diaper Insecurity
by Christine Stuart
It’s a necessity for a baby, but diapers are expensive. That’s why lawmakers are proposing using Medicaid to cover the cost of diapers for infants and toddlers…
The Connecticut Hospital Association supports the legislation.
“The percentage of families nationally reporting diaper need has been consistently estimated to hover around 30%,” the association said in written testimony. “Diapers are not a covered product under benefit programs like Women Infants and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), yet they are a basic material need necessary for infant, child, and maternal health and an important structural factor related to a family’s ability to participate in the workforce.”
Read more here!
February 21, 2023
Advocates want Medicaid to pay for diapers
HARTFORD, CONN.(WTIC Radio)-West Hartford State Representative Jillian Gilchrest led a press conference urging lawmakers to allow Medicaid to pay for diapers.
Advocates included Janet Alfano, who runs the Diaper Bank of Connecticut and Dr. Megan Smith of the Connecticut Hospital Association.
State Senator Matthew Lesser (D-Middletown) said he and his wife spend $55 a month, buying in bulk for diapers for their two-year old.
Read more here!
February 21, 2023
Diaper benefit on state agenda
By Paul Hughes
HARTFORD – Parents of tens of thousands of Medicaid-eligible infants and toddlers in Connecticut could use help paying for diapers, but the cost may be too prohibitive.
State lawmakers are weighing legislation for the first time to add a diaper benefit to HUSKY Health, the state’s Medicaid program for children, teens, parents, relative caregivers and pregnant women.
The cost of the proposed benefit is unclear, but an estimate will be developed as the legislation moves forward, said Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford, House chairwoman of the Human Services Committee.
She said supporters anticipate Connecticut would be eligible to receive a 50% federal match for the cost of a diaper benefit.
Read more here!
November 16, 2022
Free Diapers Can Really Help Connecticut Moms, Dads, and Children in Need
By Lauren Woods // Photo: UConn Health/Tina Encarnacion
Did you know that more than one third of Connecticut families with young children struggle to afford diapers? It’s a staggering statistic, especially for such an essential, every day child care item.
With 35,000 babies born annually across Connecticut hospitals, including 1,000 born at UConn John Dempsey Hospital, there are some Connecticut children living in poverty daily. For example, in the City of Hartford there is a 37.2 percent rate of child poverty with other cities in the state with similar statistics.
This is why Diaper Connections, a new free diaper distribution network for those families struggling financially, is being launched statewide by the Connecticut Diaper Bank in collaboration with the Connecticut Hospital Association and the Connecticut Department of Housing.
Read more here!
October 31, 2022
CT Diaper Bank partners with Kelsey-Naylor Foundation for large infant formula donation
By Marc E. Fitch
Despite the reopening of a major infant formula factory in Michigan, formula has been slow to reach store shelves in necessary quantities to meet demand, leaving families still struggling to meet their needs.
The Diaper Bank of Connecticut (DBCT), however, has announced a partnership with the Kelsey-Naylor Family Foundation to secure a donation of $110,000 worth of Bellamy Organics infant formula, which the foundation sourced from Australia, and is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Read more here!
October 14, 2022
Bloomfield Congregational Church and Preschool Collecting 10,000 Diapers for Diaper Bank of CT
By Jolie Sherman
According to the Diaper Bank of Connecticut, another barrier to buying diapers is that financial assistance programs, like SNAP and WIC, don’t cover the cost.
“Diapers are a lot more expensive than people who don’t buy them recognize. It could mean the difference between having good food or being able to take care of your child with a diaper. It could be the difference between being able to pay your rent on time,” said Shawn Fisher, pastor at Bloomfield Congregational Church.
To address this need, Fisher and a mother are helping host a diaper drive at Bloomfield Congregational Church and Preschool.
“This is something that played a huge role when I had Josiah because I actually took part in getting help from the Connecticut Diaper Bank,” said Jessica Salvador, director of Bloomfield Preschool and Childcare Center. “So, getting a little bit of help and support with diapers really meant the world to me.”
Read more here!
August 15, 2022
University of New Haven students volunteer with United Way
By Ken Houston
“We wouldn’t be able to run our operation without the help of our volunteers,” said Jenny Kohl, the Diaper Bank’s community outreach coordinator. “Being able to repackage the products as quickly as possible allows us to get them out to the families as quickly as possible, and that’s what we’re really all about: getting these products in the hands of folks that really need them.”
Read more here!
July 12, 2022
Pete Mezzetti Show – VSCTV
“Certainly, anything folks can do to raise awareness or help us raise funds to meet more of the need that exists in the state, there’s a lot of ways to get involved,” Executive Director Janet Stolfi Alfano told Pete Mezzeti on The Peter Mezzetti Show for Valley Shore Community Television Inc.
Watch the whole interview here.
June 30, 2022
Community Works TV
“If you can imagine, a family who has trouble purchasing diapers for their baby may also be in the same boat for period supplies… Like diapers, period supplies are not covered under food stamps or any other program,” DBCT Executive Director, Janet Stolfi Alfano, told Bernadette Welsh for Community Works NHTV.
Watch the whole interview here.
May 16, 2022
CT lawmakers push for answers in baby formula crisis
By Marcy Jones and Rob Polansky
NORTH HAVEN, CT (WFSB) – A baby formula shortage is being called a national crisis with no end in sight.
Parents across the country are still scrambling to find it.
Monday morning at the Diaper Bank of Connecticut in North Haven, Connecticut lawmakers addressed the issue… Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Sen. Richard Blumenthal pushed for answers and action in hopes for a speedy resolution. More Info
May 16, 2022
Sen. Blumenthal demanding swift action on baby formula shortage
Washington, D.C. (WTNH) – The baby formula shortage is at crisis levels, according to federal leaders who are now calling on immediate action.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, the Diaper Bank of Connecticut, and local families in Washington D.C. at 9:30 A.M to demand swift action to address the concerning shortage of baby formula.
The Diaper Bank of Connecticut says there are people across the state who have difficulty accessing baby formula. More info
March 29, 2022
Advocates push a Connecticut bill they say would reduce ‘period poverty’ for low-income women
(WSHU) By J.D. Allen, Isabel Haglund – Advocates for women’s reproductive health want Connecticut to provide menstrual products for free in public institutions.
State lawmakers will consider a bill this legislative session that provides menstrual pads and tampons in public schools, prisons, homeless shelters and colleges.
WSHU’s J.D. Allen spoke with Jenny Kohl with The Diaper Bank of Connecticut, which is on a mission to eliminate what she calls “period poverty” in the state.
March 6, 2022
New Haven supports Diaper Bank of CT with Shamrock and Roll 5K
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — City streets shut down in the Elm City today for the annual Shamrock and Roll Race.
The 5k run is a tradition that’s been going on in New Haven for over 20 years. This is the first time it’s been back since the pandemic canceled the race in 2021.
About 1,300 runners took part in today’s race to support Diaper Bank of Connecticut. Officials said a diaper shortage exists in our state and has for a long time. Read More.
February 10, 2022
Community Organizations Step Up to Help Parents Struggling to Afford Formula
(NBCCT) By Caitlin Burchill
A pandemic, supply shortages, inflation: times are tough, money has been tight and new parents are feeling the pinch.
“The mothers and the young fathers are in crisis right now, said Pastor Brenda Adkins of His Divine Will Fellowship.
A crisis, Adkins says is impacting families in Connecticut.
“It’s the prices of the baby formula that is very, very expensive,” he said.
Adkins, her husband, and others stepped up to help this summer, giving out free formula to parents. More Info
Nov. 19, 2021
Period supplies are basic necessities
(The CT Mirror) by Janet Stolfi Alfano
There is an ever-growing movement to expand access to period supplies. As of the 2022 academic school year, public schools in California, grades six to 12, community colleges and the California State University System — a network of 23 campuses with more than 485,00 students — will be required to provide free period products in restrooms. Read More
Apr. 21, 2021
Product Placement
Daily Nutmeg, New Haven – Story by: Kathy Leonard Czepiel
One in five women will miss work or school because she doesn’t have access to tampons and pads when she needs them. One in four women struggles to afford period products.
More Info
Feb. 27, 2021
Diaper Bank Funding Cut Comes at Worst Time
Hartford Courant – Story by: Susan Campbell
When Gov. Ned Lamont released his biennial budget online recently, Janet Stolfi Alfano called it up and read it line by line. All over the state, other leaders of non-profit organizations did the same. More Info
Feb. 25, 2021
Diaper Bank of CT Asking Supporters to Take Action After State Funding Slashed in New Proposed Budget
WTNH – “Leaders at a local non-profit say they are devastated after finding out Governor Ned Lamont’s new proposed state budget slashes their state funding in half. Executive Director of The Diaper Bank of Connecticut Janet Alfano says they are urging supporters to take action.
At this point, The Diaper Bank can barely keep up with the growing need as it is, and this would just make matters worse for them.” More Info
Feb. 20, 2021
Diaper Bank Funding Cut Could Impact Thousands of Children
NBC CT – “It’s a small amount of money in Gov. Ned Lamont’s budget, but it has a big impact on thousands of children across Connecticut who are currently receiving services.” More Info
Feb. 15, 2021
Op-ed: Public Funding Plays Crucial Role in Distributing Diapers
Patch – Opinion Article by Janet Stolfi Alfano, “I’ve led The Diaper Bank of Connecticut for a decade, but there are still times I get a jolt of adrenaline when I walk through our North Haven warehouse.. More Info
Sept. 21, 2020
Op-ed: For a Growing Number of Families, Diaper Need is a Real and Growing Struggle
Patch – Opinion Article by Janet Stolfi Alfano, “It can be a tough concept to wrap our heads around, especially for those who have never worried about affording our children’s diapers. It can be easy to assume that getting diapers is a simple process: you go to the store and buy them, or maybe you even have them delivered to your house through a subscription service, and get an ample supply to stock your home and diaper bag. More Info
August 14, 2020
Op-Ed: Low-income Families Struggle To Afford Formula Amid Pandemic
New Haven Register – Opinion Article by Janet Stolfi Alfano
“The cost of formula, combined with nationwide shortages spurred by panic buying during the early days of the pandemic, has left many low-income families scrambling to afford this essential item.” More Info
May 18, 2020
Op-Ed: Diaper Bank Of CT Shifts Into Overdrive Amid Pandemic
Patch – Story by Vincent Salzo, Patch Staff and Written by Janet Stolfi Alfano
“These historic times have made even clearer what we already knew: the infrastructure needed to expand our services is essential.” More Info
May 14, 2020
Pandemic Highlights Diaper Need
New Haven Independent – Opinion Article by Janet Stolfi Alfano & Joanne Samuel Goldblum
“When COVID-19 hit, the Diaper Bank of Connecticut was already expanding. Before the pandemic, there were about 45,000 families in the state experiencing diaper need. We served 15 percent of them. That’s not nearly enough – and it’s also an impressive achievement. A recent study in The American Journal of Public Health found that nationally only four percent of families with diaper need got assistance from their area diaper bank.” More Info
April 22, 2020
Virtual BINGO Night to Benefit The Diaper Bank of CT
WTNH – News 8 – Story by Staff
“Stuck inside and want to help raise money for a worthy cause while possibly winning prizes for yourself? If you answered yes, then do we have the event for you: BINGO night. On Friday, April 24, the Diaper Bank of CT is hosting a family game night online to benefit the organization’s Rapid Response Fund.” More Info
March 1, 2020
New Haven’s Annual Shamrock & Roll 5K Run Aims to Collect Diapers for Families in Need
WTNH – News 8 – Story by Staff
“Runners braved the cold weather Sunday for New Haven’s Annual Shamrock ‘n’ Roll 5K race. All of this benefits the diaper bank, so that struggling families, childcare centers, and shelters can make sure children are always in a clean diaper. The goal: to collect 50,000 dollars.” More Info
March 1, 2020
Thousands Celebrate Annual Shamrock and Roll 5k Run in New Haven
NBC CT – Story by Dominique Moody
“Thousands of runners took to the pavement for the annual Shamrock and Roll 5k run in New Haven on Sunday. The annual event has a goal of collecting diapers for the Diaper Bank of Connecticut. The effort benefits many families who are unable to pay for rent, food, and the high cost of diapers.” More Info
September 24, 2019
Diaper Need Awareness Week: How you can help local babies in need
WTNH – News 8 – Story by Suzie Hunter
“Thousands of Connecticut’s babies living below the poverty line have a hardship that often goes unseen — a lack of clean diapers. The Diaper Bank of Connecticut estimates about 50,000 children age three and younger are in need of clean diapers. Their mission is to ensure that babies have access to the necessities.” More Info
March 27, 2019
New Haven PD delivers thousands of diapers and wipes to local organizations
WTNH – News 8 – Story by Leah Myers
“The New Haven Police Department helping the community with a generous donation. A caravan of police cars delivered thousands of diapers and wipes to the Connecticut Diaper Bank in North Haven today.” More Info
March 27, 2019
New Haven Police Department wraps up diaper drive
Fox 61 News – Story by Andrew Breunig
“The New Haven Police Department has successfully wrapped up its diaper collection drive.The collected diapers and wipes will be donated to the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.” More Info
March 27, 2019
New Haven police officers to donate diapers to Diaper Bank of Connecticut
WTNH – News 8
“The New Haven Police Department will bring diapers that have been collected all month long to the Diaper Bank of Connecticut on Wednesday afternoon.” More Info
September 29, 2018
The Diaper Bank of Connecticut – Diaper Need Awareness Week
WTNH – News 8
“Thank you to Stephanie Simoni and WTNH News 8 for talking all things #DiaperNeed during Diaper Need Awareness
September 24, 2018
Diapers: A Basic Need
Comcast Newsmakers
“The Diaper Bank of Connecticut provides families living in poverty with an adequate supply of diapers for their infants and toddlers; and helps raise awareness that “basic human needs” include diapers. Executive Director, Janet Stolfi Alfano joins Newsmakers.” “Thank you to Comcast Newsmakers CT for the opportunity to talk all things #DiaperNeed Happy to share during Diaper Need Awareness Week!” More Info
September 6, 2018
Community Works – The Diaper Bank
NHTV
“Thank you NHTV Community Works and Bernadette Gazzo Welsh for a great show discussing #DiaperNeed #RockYourBaby2018 and #ChangefromtheBottomUp campaign!” More Info
September 5, 2018
Mornings With Mubarakah | Janet Stolfi Alfano
WNHH – New Haven Independent
“Thank you Mubarakah Ibrahim for a great show this morning talking #DiaperNeed #RockYourBaby and #ChangefromtheBottomUp Campaign!” More Info
July 11, 2018
Mornings With Mubarakah | Janet Stolfi Alfano
WNHH – New Haven Independent
“Thank you to WNHH Community Radio #MorningsWithMubarakah for this great interview with The Diaper Bank’s Executive Director, Janet Stolfi Alfano. Hear the full interview about the CT Tax Exemptions on #FeminineHygiene products and #DisposableDiapers.” More Info
May 23, 2018
The Diaper Bank of Connecticut – Creating Change from the Bottom Up
Seasons of New Haven
Written by: Amy J. Barry
“We may not realize that many poor and low-income families struggle to afford a satisfactory of this basic requirement to keep their infants and toddlers clean, dry and healthy because diapers are expensive. Luckily for New Haven, and the entire state of Connecticut, there’s The Diaper Bank.” More Info
May 8, 2018
The Diaper Bank of Connecticut – Creating Change from the Bottom Up
Eyewitness News, Chanel 3
Written by: Sarah Bartis
“The Diaper Bank and how it helps babies and moms who can’t afford diapers.” More Info
April 27, 2018
Middlesex United Way: Consider Diaper Bank Donations for Mother’s Day
The Middletown Press
Written by: Kevin Wilhelm
“With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it is natural to think fondly of our memories growing up or being fortunate enough to be parents ourselves… From diapers to day care, expenses add up quickly and often force parents to make some financial cuts just to get by… When young children do not have consistent access to diapers, they are at an increased health risk, and their parents may face legal troubles for neglect. The diaper bank focuses on keeping the children in our community clean, happy and healthy.” More Info
March 16, 2018
Diapers Can Be Underpinning Of A Household
Hartford Courant
Written by: Susan Campbell
“It’s just a diaper, but a little thing like a fresh one can carry more than one kind of load: A fresh diaper can get a parent back to work, or put a parent who’s pursuing a degree back in the classroom. A diaper can also prevent significant health issues for a baby or toddler.” More Info
March 6, 2018
Diapers Tied to Health, Economic Outcomes
Yale Daily News
Written by: Talia Soglin
“The report found that the Diaper Bank’s distribution of free diapers to low-income families is associated with increases in the personal income of recipients, the elimination of medical expenses and increases in state tax revenue. Titled “Better Health for Children and Increased Economic Opportunities for Families: The Social and Economic Impacts of the Diaper Bank of Connecticut,” the report was co-authored by CCEA Director Fred Carstensen and Peter Gunther, a senior research fellow with the organization.” More Info
March 4, 2018
Shamrocks and Diapers? Race Collects Donations for Families in Need
NBC CT
Written by: Kristen Johnson
“Around 2,500 runners gathered at the starting line for the Shamrock and Roll 5K in New Haven Sunday. This annual event supports the Diaper Bank, a local organization that collects diapers for families in need.” More Info
March 1, 2018
Donations to The Diaper Bank in North Haven Reach Record-breaking Number
Edelman, AWHONN & Kimberly-Clark Huggies
Written by: Jessica Lerner
“Connex Credit Union donated 82,919 diapers — almost double the amount from last year— Thursday to The Diaper Bank, a local nonprofit that seeks to prevent the risk of health and parenting complications caused by limited access to diapers.Connex’s involvement stems from its sponsorship of the Shamrock & Roll 5K, Connecticut’s largest St. Patrick’s Day-themed race, as part of its ConnexCares philanthropic initiative.The event is a joint effort with radio station WPLR and proceeds benefit The Diaper Bank.” More Info
July 19, 2017
The Impacts of Diaper Need on Families in the U.S.
Edelman, AWHONN & Kimberly-Clark Huggies
Written by: Danielle Elias
The AWHONN in partnership with Huggies, and the National Diaper Bank Network highlight the impact of diaper need on the well-being of babies and their families with this impactful news segment recorded at The Diaper Bank and the St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport. More Info
March 5, 2017
Runners Hit the Streets for Shamrock & Roll in New Haven
FOX61, WTIC
Written by: Doug Stewart
The 20th Annual Shamrock and Roll to benefit The Diaper Bank, which provides diapers to families in need. More Info
March 4, 2017
Shamrock & Roll 2017 Benefits The Diaper Bank
Written by: Marissa Nobile, News8 Producer
Interview with Stephanie Simoni, Reporter, News8; Nicole Glorioso, Development Coordinator; and Chaz, Chaz and AJ in the morning, 99.1 PLR
More than 2,000 runners and walkers dressed up in their St. Patrick Day’s gear benefiting the non-profit Diaper Bank of New Haven. More Info
March 3, 2017
North Haven Company Donates 45,000 Diapers to The Diaper Bank
Written by: Cailyn Blonstein, News 8 Online Content Producer
“Our members really came through. Our employees did a heck of a job. I would say 90% of the diapers come from employee interactions. Again, they did an awesome job.” More Info
April 19, 2016
20 Million and Counting!
The Diaper Bank
The Diaper Bank is proud to celebrate a new milestone by passing the threshold of 20 million diapers distributed!
Thank you for helping us reach this milestone!
March 14, 2016
New Haven Study Leads to National Diaper Initiative
News8, WTNH
Written by: Jacquie Slater, WTNH Reporter
“Diapers. Every baby needs them but not all parents can afford them. Dr. Megan Smith is the director of the New Haven MOMS Partnership. For two years she studied the diaper needs of mothers in New Haven. Her research results made their way to the White House. Now, the Obama Administration has announced the Community Diaper Program, which will allow non-profits to purchase diapers in bulk and at discounted rates to be distributed to parents who need diaper assistance.” More Info
March 10, 2016
Surge Pricing for Diapers
The White House
Written by: The White House, by Luke Tate & Josh Miller
“Lower-income families often pay higher prices for these basic goods, and share that they sometimes feel pressure to stretch or reuse disposable diapers to make limited resources last. When this happens, babies face risk of infections and even hospitalizations, and the stress can lead to serious mental health challenges for caregivers.” More Info
March 10, 2016
The Diaper Divide
The White House
Written by: The White House, by Cecilia Munoz
When families can’t afford a healthy number of diapers for their babies, they’re faced with a choice between buying diapers and paying for food, rent, or utilities like heat. We don’t have a program to help struggling families buy diapers for their children. So, we’re getting creative and using every tool we have to help solve this problem. More Info
March 7, 2016
Legislators & Others Support Bill to Eliminate Tax on Certain Feminine Hygiene Products & Diapers.
Middletown Press
Written by: Anna Bisaro
“All of the speakers Monday admitted it’s not only women changing diapers, but advised that the financial burden of buying diapers can be especially difficult for single mothers.” More Info
March 7, 2016
Lawmakers Seek to Repeal Tax on Tampons and Diapers
NBC News Connecticut
Written by: Christiane Cordero
“State lawmakers introduced a bill on Monday that would expand the sales tax exemption to include feminine hygiene products and disposable or reusable diapers.” More Info
March 6, 2016
Shamrock and Roll in New Haven Benefits The Diaper Bank
WTIC Fox News Connecticut
Written by: Jim McKeever
More than 25,000 runners and walkers dressed up in their St. Patrick Day’s gear benefiting the non-profit Diaper Bank of New Haven. More Info
August 2015
The Taxing Problem of Bringing Up a Baby on a Meager Wage
Al Jazeera America
Written by: Azure Gilman
With sales tax on basic needs and complicated credits, low-income parents are hit hard by the cost of rearing. More Info
August 2015
Diaper Dilemma
Al Jazeera America
Written by: Al Jazeera America
This piece by Al Jazeera America examines diaper need and how it is being met by diaper banks across the country. More Info
August 2015
Diaper Banks Provide Relief for Struggling Parents, Starting at the Bottom
Al Jazeera America
Written by: Azure Gilman
Almost a third of families say they lack the diapers they need; network of nonprofits tries to fill that gap. More Info
February 2015
Exempt Diapers From Sales Tax
The Hartford Courant
Written by: Janet StolfiAlfano
Kudos to state Sen. Mae Flexer and Rep. Kelly Luxenberg for introducing HB 6595, An Act Exempting Baby Diapers From the Sales Tax. More Info
January 2015
Lawmakers Seek To Repeal Sales Tax On Diapers
CT NEWS Junkie
Written by: Cara Rosner
Two Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation seeking to exempt baby diapers from state sales tax. More Info
September 2014
Diaper Need Awareness Week
WTIC Fox News Connecticut
Written by: Katie Harris
Diaper Rally Helps Families in Need More Info
September 2014
Middletown Diaper Drive Aims to Help Low Income Families
Middletown Press
Written by: KaitlynSchroyer
The rally is held to mark Diaper Need Awareness Week and according to Diaper Bank executive director Janet StolfiAlfano, nearly 30 percent of low-income families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their babies outfitted throughout the day and evening. More Info
August 2014
Bottom Line
The Daily Nutmeg
Written by: Cara Rosner
You’ve heard of food banks to help those in need. How about The Diaper Bank? More Info
July 2013
Yale Study: Moms Who Can’t Afford Diapers Are More Likely To Be Depressed
WTIC Fox News Connecticut
Written by: Audrey Kuchen
Low-income mothers in New Haven who can’t afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean and dry are more likely to report trouble coping with stress, depression or trauma, according to a study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics. More Info
July 2013
High Cost of Diapers Leads to Stresses for Moms: Study
NBC News Connecticut
Written by: NBC Connecticut News
A study by researchers at Yale finds as many as one-third of parents struggle to pay for diapers. More Info
July 2013
WPKN interview with Janet StolfiAlfano of The Diaper Bank
WPKN radio
Written by: Steve di Constanzo
Thank you to Steve di Constanzo of WPKN for the great interview this afternoon.
You can hear the interview which begins around minute 48:00 of the program. More Info
March 25, 2012
Diaper Bank’s new Executive Director understands importance of mission
New Haven Register
Written by: Pamela McLoughlin
Alfano recently was named executive director of The Diaper Bank, having served as acting executive director since October. More Info
March 20, 2012
WICC 600 am Interview with Janet Alfano of The Diaper Bank
WICC 600 am
Written by: Mike Bellamy
Listen to Mike Bellamy of WICC 600 am interview Executive Director Janet StolfiAlfano More Info
February 2012
Start at birth to close achievement gap
New Haven Register
Written by: Janet StolfiAlfano
A mountain of research demonstrates that investing in early childhood care and education pays off in the long run. Children enter school ready to learn and succeed in school and life. More Info
October 2011
New Haven-based Diaper Bank gets behind legislation to provide free supplies
New Haven Register
Written by: Angela Carter
In Connecticut, mothers spend at least $20 to $30 per week for diapers, a cost that causes too many moms to make tradeoffs that can endanger children’s health, family advocates say. More Info
October 2011
For want of a diaper, lives change
CT Post
Written by: CT Post
As everyone knows, millions of families with children are struggling in this current economy. Kids who have fallen into poverty in this recession will earn an average of $19,000 a year less than their more fortunate peers. They are 20 percent more likely to suffer health problems. And, without adequate nutrition, they will even further behind. More Info
October 2011
DeLauro’s diaper bill: No time for a rash decision
The Record Journal
Written by: Robert Cyr
Supporters of a proposed change in federal law that would allow child care providers to begin supplying diapers to needy families say it could help supplement an already strained diaper-supply program, but it’s unclear how the change might affect grant money to such agencies. More Info
October 2011
DeLauro’s Bill Would Make Diapers More Affordable For Poor Parents
The Hartford Courant
Written by: Susan Campbell
Carmelo Mendez is a disabled Navy veteran, and the single father of Gabriel, age 7 months. Every month, Gabriel goes through roughly $100 worth of (for now, anyway) size 4 disposable diapers. For help, Mendez relies on The Diaper Bank, which provides diapers to agencies around the state, which then distribute the diapers among their clients. More Info
June 17, 2009
The Diaper Bank on Good Morning America
Good Morning America
“GMA’s” AmeriCAN series focuses on ordinary people committing extraordinary acts of kindness and bravery.
In challenging times, it’s sometimes hard to be optimistic, but across the United States, there are people who focus on the greater good by helping their neighbors, friends and community.
June 17, 2009: The Diaper Bank Helps Families One Diaper at a Time More Info
June 4, 2009
Positively Connecticut
All Things Connecticut
You might call it The Bottom Line for babies – clean diapers. But for some families in CT, an adequate supply of diapers is a luxury. Thanks to one New Haven woman, kids are “pampered” now, because of an idea that is positively CT. More Info
April 2009
Time Magazine Power of One: Starting a Diaper Bank.
Time Magazine
Written by: Belinda Luscombe
Food stamps don’t cover hygiene products. That’s why one volunteer is organizing diaper depots. More Info
December 1, 2008
Connecticut Standing Tall 2008
CT Magazine
Written by: Jennifer Huget
Connecticut Magazine salutes “those in our midst who have found ways to act-and thus serve as examples to all of us.” More Info
September 2008
Clean Start
Miller-McCune Magazine
Written by: Colleen Shaddox
Joanne Goldblum saw poor people reusing disposable diapers and had to do something. Her nonprofit, The Diaper Bank, now gives 150,000 diapers a month to people in need. More Info
July 11, 2008
Joanne Goldblum named ABC News ‘Person of the Week’.
People Magazine Heroes Among Us
People Magazine
Joanne Goldblum, Founder and President of The Diaper Bank, honored as one of People magazine’s ‘Heroes Among Us’. More Info
May 12, 2008
People Magazine Heroes Among Us
People Magazine
Joanne Goldblum, Founder and President of The Diaper Bank, honored as one of People magazine’s ‘Heroes Among Us’. More Info
December 30, 2007
Person of the Year
New Haven Register
Written by: Pamela McCoughlin
Joanne Goldblum and the New Haven Diaper Bank changing lives. NH Reg Person of the Year 2007. More Info
December 16, 2007
Basic need for the poor: Diapers
New York Times
Written by: Gerri Hirshey More Info
The Diaper Bank named ‘Champion in Action’ by Citizens Bank
The Diaper Bank awarded $25,000 from the Citizens Bank Champions in Action program-a unique initiative designed to reward the nonprofit organizations that work so hard to champion change in our communities and make life better for us all. More Info