Editor’s note: This is the first story in an occasional series looking at food insecurity and related issues in New London.
New London Inside the Early Childhood Center at B.P. Mission on Tues.
Friday proved to be a busy day for state Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, with several bills she is co-sponsoring appearing before Senate committees. One bill looks to aid teens in foster care, and another helps low-income families struggling to meet their financial needs.
The bill will use the following three strategies to resolve the top three diaper issues.
1. According to the National Diaper Network, five million babies and toddlers live in poor or low-income households. Families struggling to pay bills are often forced to choose between the week s food and diapers.
Strategy: Between 2022 and 2025, the End Diaper Need Act will send $200 million to social programs per year, which will go towards diapers and other diaper supplies.
2. Many daycare centers and pediatric hospitals do not have diapers, forcing parents and caregivers to leave diapers with their children. If parents and caregivers are frequently unable to supply diapers, they can t leave their kids at daycare.