Diapers are a Basic Need that Too Many Colorado Families Can’t Afford

One in every three Colorado families with babies and toddlers need help meeting their diaper needs.

This is an issue with far-reaching impacts – the lack of access to clean diapers negatively impacts babies’ health and the ability of their caregivers to work and provide for their families.

That’s why we’re celebrating the fact that SB 21-027, Emergency Supplies for Colorado Babies and Families, has gotten the final OK from the Colorado legislature and $4 million for diaper assistance over the next two years. The vote of approval in the Senate was 19-13, and now the bill is headed for Governor Jared Polis’s desk.

SE2 is proud to support SB 21-027and we congratulate the bill’s sponsors, as well as the community-based partners that will be instrumental in getting diapers to families that need them. These partners include WeeCycle based in Aurora, The Nappie Project based in Loveland and others. An amendment was also added for a grant program to support food pantries and food banks.

SB 21-027 is a cost-effective solution to the urgent and ongoing need for diapers, which was made more visible by the economic strain of the pandemic on low-income families.

The funding from SB 21-027 will go to statewide community-based organizations, including WeeCycle and The Nappie Project, that are experienced with diaper distribution. These organizations buy diapers at a significantly reduced cost and have broad experience getting diapers to Colorado families that need them.

SE2 believes that we all have a role to play in giving the next generations of Coloradans a strong start, and that’s why we are proud to work on this project.

As parents ourselves and passionate supporters of access and opportunity for all Colorado families, we invite you to learn more about SB 21-027 and the positive impacts this legislation would have on our state’s most vulnerable children and families.

Learn more, read the bill, and take action.