(ALBANY, NY).  Today, NYS Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (District 19), Chair of the NYS Senate Social Services Committee, Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages (District 22), Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Caucus and Assembly Member Brian Cunningham (District 43), joined members of the National Diaper Bank Network in calling for $2.5 million to be included in the SFY 2026-2027 budget for New York State diaper banks. Diaper banks serve communities by supplying essential infant health products at no cost to New York families in need. 

Today’s press conference took place as New York State members of the National Diaper Bank Network convened in Albany for their annual Capitol Advocacy Day where they met with legislators representing communities across the state. New York diaper banks include: The Queens Diaper Bank at Public Health Solution (Queens); Little Essentials (Brooklyn); 

Expecting Relief (Brooklyn); The HopeLine (Bronx); Her Village Inc. (Bronx); NYC Mammas Give Back Inc. (Manhattan); GOOD+ Foundation (Manhattan); The Allied Foundation (Nassau County); Baby Steps Baby Pantry (Newburgh); Twin Tiers Baby Bank (Painted Post); The Food Pantries (Albany); Central New York Diaper Bank, Inc. (Syracuse); Foodlink (Rochester); Every Bottom Covered (Buffalo); (914) Cares (Armonk); The Sharing Shelf (Port Chester); Cooperstown Food Pantry (Cooperstown) and the Diaper Bank of Orange Ulster and Sullivan Inc. (Newburgh). 

“Diaper banks provide an essential lifeline for families who struggle to afford basic necessities for their infants and toddlers,” said Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. “Last year, I was proud to co-champion $1.5 million in funding for diaper banks, and this year I am continuing that fight by advocating for $2.5 million in the upcoming budget. The increasing demand for these essential products  underscores the deep connection between diaper need and poverty, and we must continue investing in solutions that support families, protect children’s health, and help break cycles of hardship.”  

 “No family should have to worry about affording necessary items such as diapers. Though we have been able to increase funding for this crucial issue affecting parents and families across the state, there is still work to be done,” said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages. “This lack of support creates a slippery slope in which mothers across New York put their child’s health at risk while increasing their own risk of developing maternal depression. That is why this bill is so essential — we need to guarantee peace of mind for struggling families across our state & provide them with this basic need for their children. I will continue to support this funding initiative and I am proud to work with Senator Persaud in providing this essential hygienic product to our littlest New Yorkers.”

"As a new dad, I know firsthand how expensive it is to raise a child. From rent to diapers and everything in between, the costs add up fast," said Assemblymember Brian Cunningham. "That’s why I’m proud to be fighting for $2.5 million in diaper bank funding in this year’s state budget. Diapers are a basic necessity, yet too many families are forced to choose between keeping their child clean and paying the bills. This session is about more than the fight for universal childcare. It’s about fighting to keep working-class families like mine here in New York, with the support they need to raise their children with dignity. When we invest in families from day one, we invest in New York’s future."

Lacey Gero, Chief of Government Relations, National Diaper Bank Network:

“According to The NDBN Diaper Check,  one in two U.S. families with young children struggles to afford diapers, making diaper insecurity a growing public health concern. The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) and our member basic needs banks across New York are committed to ensuring families have access to the essentials they need to care for their children,” said Lacey Gero, NDBN chief of government relations. “We commend Senator Persaud and Assemblymember Solages for their steadfast leadership and commitment to children, families, and community-based diaper banks throughout the state. Investing in diaper distribution programs strengthens families and communities alike. As more working families face challenges affording basic necessities, expanding this critical state funding is essential so New York’s diaper banks can continue helping families thrive.”

Vanessa Bracetty, Founder and Executive Director, Expecting Relief: 

“There is a Maternal Health crisis in the United States” said Vanessa Bracetty Founder and Executive Director of Expecting Relief. "As a NYS diaper bank, collectively our line of work is to improve public health. By providing diapers we are reducing financial instability and limiting opportunities for upward flexibility. Diaper need affects not only the well-being of infants and toddlers but also the financial and emotional health of their families. Addressing this issue is critical to breaking cycles of poverty and improving health outcomes for children."  

Michela Hugo, Founder and Director, CNY Diaper Bank:

"Until all families in New York State have the means to meet their basic needs, diaper bank programs remain a necessary component of the state’s safety net. We thank New York’s elected leaders for recognizing and supporting this essential work, and we continue to advocate for policies that strengthen communities and ensure every family has the resources and support needed to thrive."

Mairin Riley, National Program Director, Good + Foundation:

“On Advocacy Day, we are lifting up the reality facing families across New York: diaper need is widespread and deeply connected to poverty,” said Mairin Riley, National Program Director, Good+Foundation. “Over our history, we’ve distributed nearly 40 million diapers to families in need, yet the demand continues to outpace what private funding alone can support. For the fathers, mothers, and caregivers we work alongside, not having access to diapers can mean missed work, lost income, and fewer opportunities to stay fully engaged in their children’s lives. Diaper insecurity isn’t just about supplies—it’s a barrier to family stability. When families have access to diapers, they can free up limited time and financial resources to meet other essential needs, strengthening parental engagement and improving outcomes for children.”

Photos courtesy of NYS Senate Photography.

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