WASHINGTON, DC – Before the Thanksgiving holiday, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) helped introduce the Hygiene Assistance for Families of Infants and Toddlers Act of 2015, which would fund state programs to distribute diapers to low income families with children under the age of three. The bill asks states to determine how to administer these programs that get diapers to needy families, for example through voucher cards, distribution centers, or child care programs.

According to a study in Pediatrics, 30% of American mothers have said that they lack sufficient diapers for their children, which increases stress on the family and endangers children’s health and development. Lack of an adequate supply of diapers is also an impediment to gainful employment. Many child care facilities require parents to provide enough diapers for their children when they are dropped off.

“Many hardworking San Diego families struggle to meet the costs of rent, food, and transportation, and are unable to afford diapers for their infants or toddlers,” Rep. Peters said. “By helping parents meet basic hygiene needs for their children, this bill will improve children’s health and eliminate a barrier to success for America’s working families.”

Congressman Peters is an original cosponsor of The Hygiene for Families of Infants and Toddlers Act. With this legislation, states would be required to submit plans for their programs to the Department of Health and Human Services detailing how they would distribute the diapers, evaluate the program, and report on its success.