Foodlink announced today that it will soon take over as the local chapter for the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN).
The Junior League of Rochester has led local efforts since 2018 and alerted its member organizations of the transition to Foodlink this past spring.
In 2025, Foodlink began to bolster its inventory to collect and distribute more “Health & Wellness” products to benefit its member organizations. Current Foodlink members (e.g. food pantries and meal programs) soon will have greater access to more diapers, along with other household and personal hygiene products. As a regional food bank, Foodlink already distributes more than 25 million pounds of food annually.
“Foodlink is excited to take on this critical initiative, and we know all of our members and their clients are looking forward to seeing greater access to these essential items,” said Maria Wehrle, Foodlink’s food bank donation drive coordinator. “Local requests for food assistance are on the rise, and the need for health & wellness products has long been a popular request for neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Many thanks to the Junior League for ensuring a smooth transition, and for supporting so many local families during challenging times.”
On Wednesday, Foodlink staff and volunteers picked up the remaining diapers from the Junior League’s facility to store them in Foodlink’s distribution center on Mt. Read Boulevard. The Junior League has distributed 1.2 million diapers since 2018. It held its final distribution in May, and Foodlink will officially take over the role on June 30.
Similar to a food bank, a diaper bank operates in similar fashion. Organizations can apply for membership and gain access to an inventory of diapers to provide to clients seeking assistance. The public can contribute through product and monetary donations, including a newly created Amazon Wishlist. More information is available on Foodlink’s website.
“Eight years ago, the Junior League of Rochester took on the Diaper Bank as a labor of love for our community,” said Erin Bombard, vice president of community at the Junior League of Rochester. “As a volunteer-led organization, we are proud of the over one million diapers we have distributed, but the needs continue to grow. We are grateful for Foodlink leading the way, helping to ensure even more families can get the support they need. The Diaper Bank will thrive in its new home.”
