Push to provide taxpayer-funded diapers to needy NYC families

Taxpayer-funded diapers would be available to needy families at municipal facilities that serve infants, including domestic-violence shelters, child care centers and short-term homeless shelters, under a bill being considered before the New York City Council.

“Diapers are not a luxury item. They are a basic requirement,” said Councilman Mark Treyger (D-Brooklyn), a prime sponsor of the bill. “This is about basic decency.”

An average family goes through 2,600 diapers a year per child and spends about $70 or $80 a month, Alison Weir, chief of policy and research for the National Diaper Bank Network, said at a news conference Thursday at City Hall.

About one in three families suffers from “diaper need,” advocates said at the news conference.

Treyger said council staff was still estimating the bill’s total cost.

Currently, families at municipal facilities must rely on charity for diapers.

In 2016, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a law to require free feminine hygiene products in all city public schools, jails and homeless shelters. That bill passed the council unanimously.— Matthew Chayes

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.