Fredericton Diaper Bank part of growing Maritime trend to help families in need

A Fredericton mother has launched a diaper bank to help parents.

When Jillian Cross began the Fredericton Diaper Bank two-and-a-half months ago the plan was clear – use the extra time she had on maternity leave to support local mothers and children.

“Some families may not have support to fall back on to, a support system, safety net when they do have unexpected financial hardship,” she said.

“If you need diapers, you need diapers.”

Since then, she says she’s been giving out two to three boxes of supplies to locals in need per day, including breast pumps, formula and adult diapers to support post-partum parents.

Making an impact

Some of the stories have been touching – like a mother who cried on her doorstep, and another who said her only alternative was to put no diaper on her child after running out of diapers for the week.

As a mother of two young children, Cross understands the financial burden.

“When I bought my first box of diapers, I was in shock about how expensive it was and that a big box only lasts about two weeks to a month,” she said.

Growing trend

She was inspired by the Halifax Diaper Bank, which began in September 2025

Others have since popped up in Sydney, N.S., Truro, N.S. and in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.

Oromocto Food Bank’s executive director, Jane Buckley, said the costs of taking care of babies can be high, especially as prices for protein and other groceries rise.

Her foodbank also provides diapers, but she said diaper banks are a great initiative.

“We’re living in an economic time and in a society that’s teaching us that we’re all going to have to work together to succeed,” she said.

For local mother and Fredericton Diaper Bank volunteer Megan Weir, it’s about giving back what she and her husband received from the community when they moved from Ottawa several years ago.

“We were just overwhelmed with the generosity and kindness,” she said.

“The cost of diapers and other baby supplies is ridiculous, honestly, so I understand how hard it can be.”

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