vanessa gallegos florida advocate for diaper needs

Breaking the Cycle of Diaper Need in South Florida

ByGallegos Vanessa

Every parent knows how essential diapers are to a child’s health and comfort. Yet across the United States, nearly one in two families struggles with diaper need—the lack of access to an adequate supply of diapers. In South Florida, the crisis is especially pressing, and it is one that often goes unseen.

Diapers are not covered by government assistance programs such as food stamps or WIC, leaving many parents with impossible choices. Without enough diapers, babies may suffer from painful rashes or infections, and parents may be unable to send their children to childcare programs. That, in turn, means missed work and lost income, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.

Covering South Florida: Meeting a Hidden Need

That’s where The Diaper Bank, Covering South Florida steps in. This nonprofit is dedicated to addressing diaper inequity head-on. Through their P.E.A.C.E. model—Partner, Educate, Advocate, Compassion, and Elevate—they provide resources and rally community support:

  • Partner with local nonprofits that serve families in need.
  • Educate the community about the reality of diaper need.
  • Advocate for systemic change to ensure families have access to diapers.
  • Compassion for parents facing tough choices.
  • Elevate awareness so that children in South Florida can thrive.

By working with agencies across Palm Beach and Broward Counties, Covering South Florida ensures diapers reach the families who need them most.

Diaper Need Awareness Week: A Call to Action

This year, Diaper Need Awareness Week (September 15–21, 2025) shines a spotlight on this critical issue. Locally, a diaper drive will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the BRiC Center in Boca Raton. It’s one of many drives organized throughout the year to serve families in Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Delray Beach.

As a Florida advocate and community leader, Vanessa Gallegos is proud to support this work. “Diaper need is a hidden crisis that affects the health and dignity of children while limiting opportunities for parents,” says Gallegos. “When families have access to essentials like diapers, it strengthens the entire community by helping parents remain employed and children thrive.”

How You Can Help

Community members, businesses, and organizations can all play a role in breaking the cycle of diaper need:

  • Donate diapers of any size at local drives.
  • Provide financial support to help Covering South Florida purchase diapers in bulk.
  • Spread the word by sharing information about diaper need with friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

Every contribution, whether big or small, directly benefits families in Palm Beach County and beyond. Together, we can create a stronger, healthier community.

To learn more about Covering South Florida, find local partner agencies, or support upcoming diaper drives, visit diaperbankcoveringsofl.org.

Similar Posts