In Cedar Rapids, Ernst Joins Iowans to Distribute Diapers to Families in Need

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined volunteers at the Eastern Iowa Diaper Bank in Cedar Rapids today to help distribute diapers to Iowa families in need. Ernst has led a bipartisan effort in the Senate to provide funding for diaper assistance to support low-income families and front-line workers so they can provide for the health and safety of their children.

Click here or on the image above for downloadable photos/b-roll from the Senator’s visit.

“A clean diaper is a basic need for protecting the health and well-being of a young child,” said Senator Ernst. “This pandemic has created diaper access issues, and it’s why I’ve been working across the aisle to get our diaper banks and families additional support. I’m thankful for all the great work the folks at the Eastern Iowa Diaper Bank do to support Iowa’s new moms and dads, and I’ll continue working to get folks without access to diapers the support they need.”

Background:

In May, with parents facing layoffs due to unprecedented unemployment during COVID-19, plus reports of diaper shortages as a result of stockpiling and supply chain issues, Senators Ernst and Chris Murphy (D-CT) teamed up to urge the Senate to include at least $200 million in funding for diaper assistance through the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) in a future COVID-19 relief package.

In July, Ernst helped out at the Davenport Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) office and distributed diapers to Iowans as part of a Hiney Heroes of the Quad Cities’ drive-through diaper bank.

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