Expanding Diaper Access for ALICE Households
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 1 in 2 U.S. families struggle with diaper need—the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep an infant or child clean, dry, and healthy.
At United Way, we envision a strong community where everyone can achieve their potential through quality education, financial stability, and healthy lifestyles. That’s why we are committed to addressing diaper need for low-income families through our diaper bank program.
Meeting the Need
In partnership with EightCAP and The Diaper Alliance, we provide free baby diapers, wipes, and adult incontinence products to mid-Michigan residents through monthly distributions and various community awareness events. Families qualifying as low income (at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level) or those receiving assistance from programs like SNAP or SSI are eligible for supplies.
Nearly 50% of households in mid-Michigan fall below the ALICE Threshold (unitedforalice.org). ALICE (which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) describes households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to afford the basic cost of living in their county. These families, along with those living in poverty, are at the greatest risk of suffering from diaper need, as many cannot afford this essential expense.
By increasing awareness and expanding distribution efforts, United Way continues to support families facing diaper insecurity, helping them build a healthier and more stable future.
Why Diapers Matter
Diaper need is closely linked to economic hardship and stress for families who are already struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, and housing. Without an adequate supply of diapers, babies and toddlers face increased risks of infections and health problems that may require medical attention, leading to additional medical expenses. Additionally, caregivers who lack diapers may be unable to enroll their children in childcare programs, preventing them from attending work or school, further destabilizing their family’s financial situation.
Building Our Capacity
Thanks to a grant from the Gratiot County Community Foundation, United Way has enhanced our distribution capabilities by acquiring shelving and scheduling tools. These improvements allow families to easily access our diaper bank distribution schedule, make appointments, and pick up their pre-packed diaper orders through a more streamlined process.
“Prior to receiving the grant from the Gratiot County Community Foundation, which enabled us to set up a scheduling system for monthly distributions, our outreach was limited. We were serving approximately 10 families at each distribution, typically held at farmers' markets or community awareness events. After launching an improved distribution process, we significantly expanded our reach, now serving between 30 and 60 households at each distribution,” says Brittany Stoneman, Community Impact Manager.
Local Impact
From July to December 2024, United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties distributed 17,185 diapers and 22,608 wipes to low-income families.
Despite these efforts, a survey by the National Diaper Bank Network found that two in three families were unaware that diaper banks exist. As a trusted provider of community resources, United Way is working to bridge this gap by expanding access to diaper assistance and ensuring families in need know where to turn for help.
