Early findings from the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot evaluation have been released, highlighting both the creativity and complexity of getting essential supplies to families in need.
The concept of “diaper math,” a term coined by a grant recipient participating in the pilot, refers to the detailed planning, estimation, and strategy required to determine how many diapers a program must regularly order to meet the needs of participating children. This calculation represents just one aspect of the broader set of procurement decisions that diaper distribution programs must make. Grant recipients employed a variety of approaches, weighing the cost savings of wholesale purchasing against the flexibility of retail options, while also developing innovative storage and distribution solutions to address space and infrastructure constraints.
Launched in September 2022 by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the pilot aims to ease diaper need and strengthen family economic security through direct provision of diapers and referrals to a range of social services. The initiative is funded by the Office of Community Services (OCS), and the evaluation is managed by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE). Westat is conducting the evaluation in partnership with Public Profit and Dr. Jennifer Randles.
This brief is one of a series of products that share findings and lessons learned by Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot grant recipients and help to expand knowledge around how to successfully design and implement similar concrete service and referral programs.
Read the findings: Buying Diapers in Bulk: Early Findings and Recommendations From the Diaper Distribution Pilots
Focus Areas
Family Support Social ServicesCapabilities
Evaluation and Mixed-Methods Research Implementation Evaluation