Women Fighting Hunger South Jersey Chair Kathy Corbalis, left, and Torrina Bennett-Michael, director of external affairs for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is once again addressing the need for diapers for new parents in the area.
The fourth annual #GreatBigDiaperDrive kicked off Monday with National Diaper Need Awareness Week.
The drive runs through October.
Spearheaded by the Food Bank's Women Fighting Hunger volunteers, it helps raise awareness and collect diaper products and funds for New Jersey families in need.
Individuals, businesses and groups are invited to take part in the drive by running their own collections, donating products at the Food Bank's Egg Harbor Township warehouse, or making an online donation.
The Food Bank and Women Fighting Hunger have raised funds, generated awareness and collected diaper products through the #GreatBigDiaperDrive since 2021.
C.J. Cicchino, Leigh Chairman and Torrina Bennett-Michael with 2023 donations from Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween.The campaign collected more than 410,000 diapers last year, along with tens of thousands of wipes and other necessities for neighbors in need.
Nearly half the families in the nation struggle to afford diapers, which are not covered by most federally funded public assistance programs, like SNAP and WIC.
“Our annual #GreatBigDiaperDrive helps remove barriers for families who need access to diaper products," Food Bank President and CEO Elizabeth McCarthy said. "Our goal with this campaign is to raise awareness and encourage donations so that all families have enough of these essential products.
"At CFBNJ, we do more than just provide food. Often, families who struggle to keep food on the table also lack access to critical hygiene supplies, like diapers, to keep their babies clean, dry and healthy.”
Babies require as many as 12 diapers per day, which adds up to $80 to $100 or more per month per child, a cost many struggling families cannot afford.
Every $1 donated can provide six diapers to families in need.
CFBNJ is a longtime member of the National Diaper Bank Network and accepts diaper product donations year-round.
Most-needed items include diapers, wipes, and diaper cream.
For more information, contact Bennett-Michael at 609-380-3671.
The Egg Harbor Township Warehouse is at 6735 Black Horse Pike.
