Chicago is in the midst of a silent crisis — one that affects thousands of its youngest residents every day. Families across the city are struggling to afford diapers, a basic but essential need for children. With diaper costs having soared by nearly 50 percent since the pandemic, and families facing cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, the issue of diaper need has reached emergency levels.
For years, Share Our Spare (SOS) has been on the front lines of addressing this urgent challenge. Through a vital partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, SOS was able to distribute nearly 17 million diapers to families in need throughout the past four years. This collaboration supported 50 food pantries across Chicago and offered a lifeline to caregivers who had no other means of accessing diapers for their children.
But as of June 30th, 2025, that partnership has ended, leaving a major service gap in the community. For thousands of families who once relied on food pantries to access diapers, the loss is devastating.
“The end of our partnership with the Food Depository means that public access to diapers has been severely diminished,” says Alex Goodfellow, Executive Director of SOS. “We’re doing everything we can to find new funding and partnerships to fill this critical gap. We’re not giving up — because families are counting on us.”
The need is staggering. Nationally, half of all families report struggling to afford diapers. In Chicago, the burden is great, especially among low-income families and newly arrived migrants, the latter who resort to rationing or reusing diapers due to supply shortages. Without clean diapers, children cannot attend daycare, forcing caregivers to stay home from work. This loss in income — averaging $630 per month for some — can set families back even further.
The numbers paint a bleak picture, but SOS remains steadfast in its mission. SOS leverages a network of Community-Based Organizations (CBO) to distribute diapers and supplies. These CBOs provide wraparound, anti-poverty services to families across Chicago, providing families with quality, pre-owned supplies and new diapers at no cost. Every month, SOS distributes diapers and essential supplies to 79 CBOs, reaching more than 17,000 children annually.
Why Disposal Dippers?
At the core of SOS’s approach is a deep understanding of the barriers that families face. Disposable diapers, while sometimes criticized from a sustainability standpoint, are often the only practical solution for caregivers living below the poverty line.
More than 40,000 children under age five live in poverty in Chicago, and for many families, access to washers, dryers, and detergent simply isn’t feasible. Laundromats often ban cloth diapers, and private laundry services are unaffordable luxuries. For these reasons, SOS prioritizes access to disposable diapers as a matter of both equity and dignity.
“Our partner agencies tell us that when families receive diapers, they’re able to pursue work, education, and stability,” says Goodfellow. “It allows them to focus on long-term goals, not just day-to-day survival.”
Continuing to Help Chicago Families
Although the loss of the Chicago Food Depository partnership was a blow, it has not deterred SOS. The organization continues to serve 79 social service agencies across Chicago and is actively exploring new solutions, funding streams, and community collaborations to sustain and expand its impact.
Every diaper donated, every dollar contributed, and every voice raised brings SOS closer to its goal of diaper equity. Advocacy is also a key pillar of their work. Through its role in the Illinois Diaper Bank Coalition — a network of seven nonprofits working across the state — SOS is pushing for systemic change and legislative action that will ensure no child in Illinois goes without essentials.
Until long-term solutions come, the organization remains laser-focused on doing what it can, where it can, with what it has. And the impact is clear: every $1 invested in diaper aid results in a $11 increase in family income. Clean diapers are more than just a necessity — they are a bridge to stability, health, and opportunity.
In the face of uncertainty, SOS’s response is clear: resilience, optimism, and unwavering courage. The organization invites the community to join in, whether by donating diapers, funding programs, or advocating for change. The diaper crisis isn’t insurmountable — but it demands bold, collective action.
“We’re not done,” says Goodfellow. “Families need us now more than ever. And we’re committed to showing up — because every child deserves a healthy, dignified start in life.”
How to Help
Share Our Spare (SOS) helps Chicago area children ages 0-5 have access to essential items to support their health and development. Donations help the organization activate community impact and purchase diapers and other essentials for families.
You can also volunteer or donate new or gently used items to SOS. You can view a full list of accepted items on their website.
This post was submitted as part of our “You Said It” program.” Your voice, ideas, and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your ideas and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It.”
