Our Programs
How Does the Diaper Bank Work?
MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL DIAPER BANK NETWORK
We are one of over 240 diaper banks spread across the nation and a member of the National Diaper Bank Network. The National Diaper Bank Network connects the diaper banks, provides access to diapers and period supplies at wholesale cost, and advocates for solutions to diaper need and period poverty on a state and federal level.
THE DIAPER PROGRAM AND THE PERIOD SUPPLY PROGRAM
We fill an essential gap by providing diapers and period supplies; which are not covered by WIC or SNAP. Each family can count on 25-50 diapers and 10-20 training pants a month. We distribute 250,000-300,000 diapers a month! Our services cover St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson, Lincoln, Warren, and Montgomery counties in Missouri and Madison and St. Clair counties in Illinois.
The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank offers two programs, the Diaper Program and the Period Supply Program.
- For a decade, the Diaper Program has provided 25-50 diapers to area families each month. Diapers come packaged in packs of 25 and include an encouraging love note.
- The Period Supply Program started in 2020 and provides monthly period kits with period education and a love note to people who menstruate in schools, shelters, food pantries, and health care centers.
COMMUNITY AGENCY PARTNERS PLACE MONTHLY ORDERS
Our service model is to distribute diapers and period supplies through a diverse network of child and family-serving community organizations referred to as ‘partners’. Our 70+ unique partners provide every type of service; from food banks and shelters to hospitals and libraries. Our model leverages the multiple layers of support those organizations already offer families; while giving them the ability to offer diapers and/or period supplies to the communities they serve.
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF OUR ORGANIZATION
After we receive products, either through purchase or donation, our volunteers work hard to package our diapers and period products and distribute them to our partner organizations who provide them to families in the region.
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES BY ENDING DIAPER NEED
Keeping our warehouse stocked is no small feat. We purchase about 90% of the 3.5 million diapers we distribute each year and 75% of the 750,000 period supplies. Our diaper and period supply purchases last year amounted to over $450,000. That’s $37,577.00 a month, and the need is always growing.
