WASHINGTON, DC (November 19, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) introduced the Military Family Diaper Assistance Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing access to diapers for military families facing financial strain. The bill would establish a pilot program connecting community diaper banks with military installations to provide affordable diapers and diapering supplies to families in need of assistance.
“Our servicemembers sacrifice so much for our country each day, and they should never be put in the position of choosing between buying diapers and buying groceries or other necessities,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee. “When military families face that kind of financial pressure, it affects not only their well-being but also our military readiness. This bipartisan legislation will help close the gap for countless families in need and ensure they have reliable access to the essential supplies their children depend on.”
“The last thing that working parents in our armed forces should have to worry about is access to diapers,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “Military families already have a tough job — balancing the demands of parenthood with the responsibility of protecting our nation. That’s why the Military Family Diaper Assistance Act helps to reduce diaper costs for parents in our armed forces and free them up to focus on the mission.”
A survey of military families with young children conducted by the Diaper Bank of North Carolina found that 91.5% of recipients worry about how they will afford diapers. The survey also found that military families are often being confronted with an impossible choice between buying diapers or other essential items like food, clothing, and other hygienic essentials like soap, toilet paper, and toothpaste.
By removing a significant financial stressor for military families, the Military Family Diaper Assistance Act aims to allow servicemembers to concentrate on their duties without the burden of worrying about whether they can afford diapers for their children.
Specifically, the Military Family Diaper Assistance Act will:
- Direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program connecting military installations with community diaper banks to provide diapers and diapering supplies to eligible military families.
- Leverage local diaper banks as partners, linking them with central distribution hubs on military bases to deliver supplies alongside other family support services.
- Ensure participating diaper banks meet key standards, including nonprofit status, membership in the National Diaper Bank Network, and at least five years of experience distributing diapers at no cost.
- Strengthen data collection and evaluation through engagement with the National Diaper Bank Network, which would provide technical assistance and help assess program effectiveness.
The Military Family Diaper Assistance Act is endorsed by: Children’s HealthWatch, the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, First Focus, Kimberly-Clark, MomsRising, the National Diaper Bank Network, the U.S. House Democratic Women's Caucus, and ZERO to THREE.
“Nationally, nearly half of young families struggle to afford diapers, according to The NDBN Diaper Check. The rate may be even higher among military families, often stationed far from supportive family and friends. Many diaper banks already partner with military bases to help fill that gap. The Military Family Diaper Assistance Act would strengthen and expand the reach of diaper banks and connect more military families with the basic necessities they require to thrive,” said Joanne Samuel Goldblum, CEO of the National Diaper Bank Network.
"For more than twelve years, the Diaper Bank of North Carolina has proudly served thousands of military families stationed across our state. We’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges faced by service members and their children when basic needs like diapers are out of reach. We’re honored that our research and data helped inform this important legislation, and we are thrilled to see a pilot program that recognizes the vital role basic needs banks play in supporting military readiness and family well-being. It’s time we take real action to ensure that no military family has to struggle to meet their babies’ most basic needs. We applaud Congress and the Department of Defense for moving this forward,” said Michelle Schaefer-Old, CEO and Founder of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina.
The full text of the bill can be found here.