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Our Story

Working to keep Idaho's babies clean, dry, and healthy since 2014.


	About Idaho Diaper Bank The Idaho Diaper Bank is one venue through which our community can positively impact the 1 in 3 babies and families in Idaho who are struggling to obtain an adequate supply of diapers to stay clean, dry and healthy. Diapers are expensive and can cost over $100 a month per child. For those living in poverty and low income, this expense often represents over 14% of after-tax income. There is zero governmental assistance for basic hygiene items like diapers. A lack of diapers is often a hidden consequence of poverty. Many Idaho babies are being left in wet diapers all day, which is not only uncomfortable for a baby, but a real health risk. By giving families something as simple as a diaper, we give them a glimpse of hope and a chance to get back on track financially and reduce overall family stress. Diapers are essential to a child’s wellbeing and healthy development. Not having enough diapers can cause significant stress and mental health issues for the family. Diaper Need is a strong predictor of maternal depression. In order to safely care for their child, or enroll a toddler or infant in a childcare program while they work, parents must have a reliable supply of diapers. Without access to diapers, many families cannot take their children to daycare and thus are unable to work or go to school themselves. Learn How Idaho Diaper Bank Helps and Our Impact on Idaho Families and Communities. Our Mission Our mission is building stronger, healthier families in Idaho by providing access to basic hygiene to keep babies clean, dry and happy. Our Vision Our vision is an Idaho where our communities band together to ensure that every baby has their basic needs met. How We Got Started Learn more about how the Idaho Diaper Bank got started and the need it addresses in this story by the Idaho Statesman. Read the Story The IDB is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization. Your donation is 100% applicable for IRS tax credit. Our tax-exempt number (EIN) is 46-5573014.

How Idaho Diaper Bank Started

The Idaho Diaper Bank was founded in 2014 by Shawna Walz and her family. Shawna was compelled to create the non-profit after learning about the tremendous need for diapers in our community and the negative impacts that result when families don’t have access to diapers…a very essential and basic need.

Shawna served as the Founder and Executive Director, and she contributed over 150 unpaid hours each month to work toward ensuring every diaper wearing person in Idaho has access to the diapers and diapering supplies they need to stay clean, dry and healthy.

In establishing the first state-wide diaper bank, she works with a 11 member volunteer Board of Directors, community leaders and over 50 partnering distribution organizations, including faith based organizations, domestic violence shelters, and food pantries.
The IDB now distributes over over 50,000 diapers each month to help babies and families in need.

Helping Idaho Families on the Path to Success

By focusing on diaper need, the Idaho Diaper Bank (IDB) works to meet the basic needs of Idaho children and families. Our vision is to ensure every diaper wearing person in Idaho has access to the diapers and diapering supplies they need to remain clean, dry, happy and healthy. This includes babies, the elderly and anyone else who may need diapering supplies. Our mission is to collaborate with community partners throughout the state to mobilize efforts to make a difference in the lives of the 46% of Idaho babies aged three or younger who live in poor or low- income families (less than 200% of Federal Poverty Level).

IDB received its 5013c status in September of 2014. The remainder of that year we distributed 44,000 diapers to 4 partners, We've had exponential growth and today we have distributed over 4.6 million diapers throughout the state with over fifty partners! Our partners, who receive our diapers each month, include churches, food pantries, domestic violence shelters, etc. We are distributing over 50,000 diapers into the community and throughout Idaho each month.