Missouri diaper banks need renewal of urgent tax credit

The Missouri Coalition of Diapers Banks is in danger of losing our ability to raise the needed funds to purchase diapers for 120,600 Missouri babies.

Nearly half of all families in the US are struggling with diaper need. Diaper need is the inability to provide a sufficient supply of diapers to keep a baby clean, dry, and healthy. A study of families who received diapers from July 2021 through April 2022 from Missouri diaper banks found that when families receive diapers, more families can work or attend school, healthcare spending is reduced, and children are healthier.

The Missouri diaper banks have utilized state tax credits for the past five years that allow donors to the diaper banks to receive up to a 50% tax credit for making donations. Those credits are up for renewal in the Missouri Legislature this year. However, the renewal is in danger of not happening before the Legislature adjourns for the summer.

My organization, the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, receives $100,000 in donations because of these tax credits. Losing these tax credits will cripple Missouri Diaper Banks and our operations. We will not be able to distribute diapers to thousands of families in need.

Missouri diaper banks could collectively lose $1 million in donations, crippling the ability to meet their community’s needs. We are urging the Missouri Legislature to please renew these tax credits so that we can continue helping families across Missouri.

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