Missouri diaper bank tax credits renewed by legislature, awaiting Kehoe’s signature

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A bill sitting on the governor’s desk could help stock the shelves of diaper banks across Missouri.

Tranna Shaughnessy with Diaper Banks of the Ozarks is thrilled to see the Missouri Legislature a bill to reinstate diaper bank tax credits, a program that sunset almost six months ago. A bill sent to the governor would extend the program that helps stock diaper bank shelves through the year 2031.

The new tax credits would also be extended to more charities. Previously, it was only offered to groups whose main objective is providing diapers, which discounted some of the state’s largest diaper banks, like the Diaper Bank of the Ozarks.

“Since we’re a part of a much larger organization, we were exempt from those diaper tax credits,” Shaughnessy said. “We’re also the third largest diaper bank in the state, so not to have those diaper tax credits really hurt our funding ability.”

According to Diaper Bank of the Ozarks, 47% of Missouri families with children are struggling. That’s up from 30% last year. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates families spend about $1,000 a year on diapers per child. 

Families with young children have been hit hard by tariffs, according to a new report from BabyCenter. It costs over $20,000 to get everything needed for a baby’s first year. Compared to other baby products, diaper prices have actually remained relatively steady under the new tariffs. But materials used to make diapers are imported, so an increase is possible.

“Most of our manufacturers are in the States, but the product does come from abroad. So, sooner or later that will affect us, I’m sure, but right now we’re still OK,” Shaughnessy said.

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