SF County extends diaper assistance to CalFresh recipients

San Francisco families who receive CalFresh food assistance could be eligible to get a free monthly supply of diapers starting next month, the city’s Human Services Agency announced Wednesday.

The program is already available for residents with children under three years old who participate in CalWORKS, but starting this month it’s expanding to CalFresh participants.

The expansion will make San Francisco the first county in the nation to provide free diapers.

The diapers are being provided by the Diaper Bank, a partnership between the SFHSA and the organization Help a Mother Out.

According to the SFHSA, one in three families nationwide struggles with affording diapers, with the average monthly diaper bill ranging from $80 to $100.

Assemblymember Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, said in a statement:

“We must ensure every child in California is off to a great start. From health problems to being shut out of childcare programs, having little or no access to clean diapers can be hard on families and impact the outcome of a child’s life.” 

Lisa Troung, founder and executive director of HAMO said:

“Choosing between a clean diaper for your baby and rent, food or transportation is a choice no parent should have to make, yet it’s a choice so many in our community face daily.” 

The program is made possible by a $2.5 million grant awarded to HAMO by the California Department of Social Services to support diaper access programs in the Bay Area.

More information about the program can be found at www.sfdiaperbank.org or www.sfhsa.org.

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