Moms Helping Moms and United Way of Greater Union County partner to increase access to disposable diapers for Union County families during the Coronavirus pandemic
JUNE 2020 - UNION COUNTY, NJ – The Moms Helping Moms Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides diapers and other baby essentials to New Jersey families in need has partnered with the United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) to help struggling Union County families gain access to diapers during the COVID19 pandemic.
In the midst of the pandemic, thousands of families have been struggling for months to buy food, pay rent, and utility bills. However, there is a rapidly growing need for diapers during the crisis as parents struggle to purchase diapers or cannot afford to buy them altogether. On average, a baby needs 6-10 disposable diapers per day, costing $70 to $80 per month and according to the National Diaper Bank Network, currently there are no state or federal child safety-net programs that allocate dollars specifically to purchase diapers. This partnership aims to increase access to disposable diapers and other baby essential items to families financially impacted by the pandemic. “I am so grateful to United Way and Moms Helping Moms for providing my family with diapers for my baby. My husband and I are both unemployed due to COVID19 and we were worried we would have to choose between formula or diapers” said Ms. Ramos Union County resident.
“We are proud to be partnering with United Way of Greater Union County to expand our reach within the community and help families access the basics they need for their children. Because of UWGUC's extensive network within Union County, we are able to offer families baby essentials within their immediate communities”, said Bridget Cutler, Founder and Executive Director.
The partnership began in May and will run through September with a possibility of an extension if the need persists. UWGUC has facilitated access to the Foundation to Union County organizations who would not otherwise have access. UWGUC approved affiliated organizations identify parents in need, are provided with a digital code to place orders online, and while practicing state guided social distancing guidelines pick up and distribute them to their clients. To date, UWGUC has assisted 13 organizations in providing 175 boxes of diapers to parents. Although diapers are the primary focus, affiliated organizations may request baby wipes, food, and other baby essentials related to infant/baby needs.
Organizations interested in applying to become a UWGUC affiliated organization in this program are asked to contact Tania Guaman at tania.guaman@uwguc.org
About Moms Helping Moms
Moms Helping Moms Foundation is a baby supply and diaper bank dedicated to a future without childhood poverty by providing babies with essential needs to ensure a safe, healthy and happy start. They collect new and gently used baby items, with a focus on diapers, wipes and hygiene items, and with the help of over 200 volunteers, distribute them to low-income families throughout New Jersey. In 2019, they distributed over 270,000 diapers through their partnerships with 40+ nonprofits and community groups. Due to the increased demand for diapers and baby essentials because of the pandemic, MHM has taken on twenty temporary partners, expanding their reach to the entire state of New Jersey and distributing over 100,000 diapers.
About United Way of Greater Union County
United Way of Greater Union County fights for the health, education, financial stability and family strengthening of every person in Union County, North Plainfield and South Plainfield. We provide critical resources to children and families supporting 39 nonprofit organizations and funding 5 programs. Over the years, United Way of Greater Union County has proven to be a pre-eminent community-based leader, partner and investment choice in these communities. For more information, please visit us online at uwguc.org.