VISTA — At Vista Community Clinic, staff and clinicians have announced the start of the Diaper Bank program, benefitting the parents, or caregivers, of very young children and babies.
The health center has partnered with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank to bring this program to life locally. Originally created by the San Diego Food Bank, this program assists families with diaper necessities, a costly expense. Current average monthly costs for diapers fall somewhere between $70 to $150 a month per child (not including wipes). When one is trying to pull themselves out of poverty, it can be something as simple as the cost of diapers that negatively tips the scales, restarting the cycle of poverty.
Being able to help families with just one pack of diapers per month can mean the difference between a bill being paid, food being eaten, or medication being picked up. Yeraldin Montiel, program coordinator for outreach with VCC, has been delivering the packs of diapers while the program was being piloted. She says the expression on the families’ faces has been priceless when she arrives with the packs; “It’s a huge help for a family. For them to be able to not have to worry about the expense that month means a lot.”
The new Diaper Bank Program distributes diapers through the already existing food distribution programs that VCC has been a long-time partner in. Eligible families will be able to receive one pack of free diapers per month. Each pack ranges from 20 to 40 diapers depending on size and brand. VCC can distribute a variety of sizes through their health clinics, and to those in need, as they become available. VCC’s current supply includes sizes 1 to 6, and a limited stock of swimming diapers.
If you are interested in contributing to the program, contact Yeraldin Montiel at (760) 631-5000, ext. 7014.
