Diaper Bank Founder Urges Opposition to Head Start Rule Cuts
In a commentary piece, National Diaper Bank Network founder Joanne Samuel Goldblum argues against a proposed federal rule that would shrink Head Start's regulatory requirements from 133 pages to about a dozen, eliminating mandates for diapers, formula, toothbrushes, class size, and staffing ratios. She links the proposal to earlier federal office closures and argues it reflects a broader rollback of Great Society-era safety net programs including Medicaid and SNAP. Goldblum cites National Diaper Bank Network research showing nearly half of young U.S. families struggle to afford diapers and that diaper assistance reduces pediatric sick visits, generating Medicaid savings. She urges readers to submit public comments opposing the rule, noting the comment period closes October 6.