The department of commerce (commerce) is building a program to administer grants to diaper banks across the state. We are opening a comment period on August 18 to allow stakeholders an opportunity to tell us what they would like included in the program.

ESSB 5092 - 2021-2023 operating budget identifies $2,500,000 of the 2022 general fund state appropriation and $2,500,000 ($5M for the biennium) of the 2023 general fund state appropriation to commerce. The purpose of these funds is for commerce to administer grants to diaper banks in Washington state for the purchase of diapers, wipes, and other essential baby products, (for children three years and under) for distribution to families in need. The legislative proviso language included that commerce must give priority to providers serving or located in marginalized, low-income communities or communities of color, and providers that help support racial equity.


•	The public comment period will be held from August 18 to 25, 2021.
•	This is a new program and we want to hear what stakeholders would like to see from it.
•	Written comments can be submitted via United States mail or email and will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on August 25, 2021. Comments for the Washington state diaper program should be sent to:

CSBG@Commerce.WA.Gov. Subject: WA State Diaper Program Comments; OR Attn: Karen Dunn, Department of Commerce, Washington Diaper Program, P.O. Box 42525, Olympia, WA 98504-2525.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Karen Dunn at 360-485-2984 or by email at Karen.Dunn@Commerce.WA.Gov.