Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope has partnered with WeeCycle to operate the first and only diaper bank in Western Colorado.

Free diapers and wipes will be available at mobile pantry food distributions across the region.

“This is a higher dollar item that, due to inflation, has become an even greater burden for families across the Western Slope. We can now offer relief with not only food, but also diapers and wipes for the children of the families we serve,” said Sue Ellen Rodwick, director of the Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope Distribution Center.

A nonprofit organization, WeeCycle was started to collect and supply diapers to families in need. By one estimate, a third of American families report having diaper needs. Parents struggling to meet diaper needs are more likely to miss work.

No public assistance is available, however, to help families facing diaper shortages. Federal supplemental nutrition assistance programs don’t subsidize diapers.

“We are the largest diaper bank in the state of Colorado, and as of last month we have given out
3.4 million diapers since Jan. 1 of this year,” said Jana Clark, program director of WeeCycle. “Daycare centers and childcare providers don’t allow children to attend without diapers. We’re helping families not just with basic sanitary needs for children, but this gives families the support to keep working.”

WeeCycle works with 57 different partner organizations and has a waiting list of 60 organizations to help distribute baby gear and items in need to families across Colorado.

Food Bank of the Rockies Western Slope has tried to meet needs by purchasing diapers locally with grant funding. The most requests have come from the Roaring Fork Valley.