OCEANSIDE — Despite facing deep cuts due to the state’s budget deficit, the San Diego Food Bank is sustaining its diaper program through a combination of state funding and public donations.
The San Diego Food Bank started its diaper bank in 2018 after former Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez helped to secure state funding for the program.
The diaper bank, one of the first programs of its kind in the state, has continued its mission of helping low-income and military families in need of diapers for the past six years.
Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed deep cuts in next year’s state budget to address the nearly $45 million budget shortfall. This means the diaper bank would not receive its usual $3.75 million for an additional three years.
The bank was at risk of shutting down until Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) stepped in.
“She came to us because she wanted to help,” said San Diego Food Bank CEO Casey Castillo.
Davies secured half of the program’s annual funding from the state – about $800,000 – to keep the diaper bank running.
“People have been so fantastic – especially with the cost of everything being so expensive right now,” said Davies at the Oceanside diaper drive. “Everyone’s been so generous.”
Read the full story: https://thecoastnews.com/california-legislator-donations-help-sustain-diaper-bank/