PERIOD PANTRIES ARE DELIVERING HYGIENE PRODUCTS TO NEIGHBORS IN NEED
PERIOD POVERTY
Lack of access to affordable menstrual products and hygiene facilities—impacts two out
of five women in the U.S., resulting in infections, missed school and work, and monthly embarrassment. While some states, including New York and California, have passed legislation to increase access to feminine hygiene products, particularly in schools, individual communities are also closing the gap by creating “Period Pantries.” Like those little lending library boxes that can often be found filled with books in public spaces, Period Pantries are outdoor boxes full of tampons, sanitary napkins, and more, all free for the taking and stocked by grassroots organisations and helpful neighbours.
The Period Pantry in Columbus, OH (theperiodpantryproject.org), and The Period Collective in Chicago, IL (theperiodcollective.org), are two such nonprofits dedicated to creating a consistent source of menstrual care products for people in need. Looking to put a damper on period poverty near you? Consider creating a Period Pantry yourself! All you need is a weatherproof outdoor box full of tampons and sanitary napkins, a sanctioned public location, and a way to get the word out.
Top Image: Photo Credit: The Period Pantry in Colombus, OH
