Generate Health’s FLOURISH initiative is continuing its partnership with the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank to create access to diapers and period supplies for community-based organizations serving Black families in St. Louis where infant mortality rates are at their highest.
FLOURISH’s partnership with the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank began in mid-2020 during the stay-at-home orders. Through its COVID-19 responsive grant opportunity, FLOURISH staff noticed many grant applicants were proposing to provide porch-drop offs of baby supplies to families, including diapers. An inquiry into the supply chain of diapers during that time led to a partnership opportunity with the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank. The partnership would allow FLOURISH to access diapers, pull-ups, and period supplies for its network of grassroots organizations; entities that would not otherwise meet the Diaper Bank’s partnership eligibility. Many of the FLOURISH partner organizations are trusted in their community and led by small, dedicated teams. FLOURISH collects orders from each organization and synthesizes data from all partners to report impact to the Diaper Bank. The partnership is a win-win, creating access to diapers and period supplies for families in the St. Louis region.
Our partners with Da Bruhz, Sheena Marie Bell Foundation and Lighthouse United Ministries
According to the Diaper Bank, nearly 1 in 3 families in the United States experience diaper need, but needs are greater in low-income communities. There are no public benefits that allow for the purchase of diapers, which can cost up to $1,000 annually for one child. For a parent earning minimum wage, this represents 15% of their take-home pay. Parents who don’t have enough diapers may leave their children in a soiled diaper longer or may limit their children’s intake of fluids to make their diapers last longer. Moms who report not having enough diapers for their children are 3 times more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
Having access to diapers and period supplies positively impacts the health and well-being of babies, caregivers, and families. This year, FLOURISH partners will distribute up to 300,000 diapers and up to 4,000 period supply kits across 20 local organizations. Since its partnership began in 2020, FLOURISH and the St. Louis Area Diaper bank have deployed nearly 500,000 diapers and over 6,000 period supply kits to organizations serving families in St. Louis.
Loading up diapers for Jennings 4th Ward Strong
Ongoing support for organizations like the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank is critical to supporting local infants and families. Visit their website to see how you can get involved. While these resources make a difference every day in family’s lives, advocates and elected official across the state have introduced legislation that would reduce or eliminate sales tax on diapers and period supplies, making them more affordable for families. You can track this legislation and learn more about how to get involved with advocacy efforts to support families in our state.