Summer Shouldn’t Mean Choosing Between Food and Diapers
The HopeLine Calls Attention to Growing Summer Diaper Need as Families Face Impossible Choices
BRONX, N.Y. — June 2026 — As temperatures rise across New York City, The HopeLine is sounding the alarm on a crisis many families quietly face every day: diaper need.
For families living below the poverty line, diaper need often means making impossible choices. Because programs like SNAP and WIC do not cover diapers, parents may be forced to choose between keeping their baby clean and dry, or paying for food, rent, and other essentials. When diapers are stretched beyond their intended use, babies face increased discomfort and health risks, especially during the summer heat.
“People often assume diapers are a basic need covered by assistance programs,” said Maria Cintron, Executive Director of The HopeLine. “Every week we see families who are doing everything they can to care for their children, but still find themselves forced to choose between feeding their family and keeping up with diaper changes.”
Nearly 50% of U.S. families with young children struggle to afford costly diapers, with Urban Institute finding that nearly 8 million children are affected. Disposable diapers can cost families nearly $1,000 per child annually, creating a significant burden for households already facing financial hardship, especially those earning as little as $16,000 a year. Diaper insecurity is both a public health issue and an economic challenge for working families.
The consequences stretch far beyond inconvenience. Health experts note that babies who remain in wet or soiled diapers for extended periods face increased risk of diaper rash, skin irritation, infections, and disrupted sleep. As parents struggle to meet their family’s basic needs, they have shared that the increased stress has led to personal mental health and wellness challenges.
The HopeLine operates one of New York City’s largest diaper distribution centers and the first of its kind in the Bronx. The HopeLine provides diapers and essential baby supplies to families throughout New York City, along with their highly efficient food pantry and a new Pathways to Care initiative in partnership with Somos and United Way of New York City. Individuals served by The HopeLine hail from the five boroughs and Westchester and Rockland counties. Each month, the organization helps parents maintain access to basic necessities that families cannot afford on their own.
Summer months often present an additional challenge for diaper banks and community organizations. As supporters and donors travel, routines change, and charitable giving slows, donations frequently decline while the pressing need remains.
“Diaper need doesn’t take a vacation because summer is here,” said Cintron. “In fact, this is often the time when community support becomes even more important.”
The HopeLine is calling on individuals, schools, businesses, faith communities, and civic groups to turn summer generosity into tangible support by hosting diaper drives and collecting donations for NYC families in need. For a parent facing impossible choices between rent, food, and diapers, even a single package of diapers can provide some relief. Together, small acts of kindness can help thousands of children stay clean, healthy, and cared for throughout the summer months.
How to Help: Donate. Volunteer. Share.
The HopeLine welcomes financial contributions as well as direct diaper donations. The highest demand is for new and unneeded diapers, especially sizes 4, 5, and 6, along with pull-ups.
The HopeLine individually sorts and packs nearly 10,000 diapers per week, and volunteers can help keep up with the demand while also seeing its diaper center in action, interacting with and serving New York City families.
Sharing information with potential volunteers and donors about the persistent need families face each day is critical to the mission of The HopeLine, and its sustainability and growth.
Throughout June, The HopeLine is partnering with Stop&Shop at 961 East 174th Street for the Buy a Bag, Help a Baby initiative. For every reusable bag purchased, $1 will be donated to The HopeLine to help keep babies’ bottoms dry throughout New York City.