Eradicating period poverty in our community.
What is period poverty?
Period poverty is when menstruators do not have the resources necessary to purchase period products, such as pads and tampons. Period products are considered luxury items, and therefore are not covered by supplemental programs (like SNAP or WIC). They are still taxed in 21 states as well, adding to the financial burden for these necessary medical items. Menstruators are sometimes forced to improvise in unsafe ways, using, for example, socks or toilet paper, and sometimes miss school or work entirely.
Having a period is not a choice; it’s not a luxury. The stigma attached – that periods are gross and unsanitary – keeps people from talking about the issues. When in fact, this natural bodily function affects many of us. Using pads and tampons is as commonplace as using toilet paper and hand soap in the restroom. So let’s work together to make sure menstrual equity is commonplace, because after all, safe menstruation means a healthier, better educated, higher functioning community for one and all.
Our Mission
A seldom-recognized educational and social barrier that many teens face is period poverty. As students at an all-girls institution, addressing this basic human need is foundational to the success of every student. Our initial goal was to provide products in restrooms as well as stock period pantries for students, so they have access to products outside of school. We quickly met that goal and began to address the broader need in the Kansas City community.
What We Do
We supply period kits for various schools and community outreaches. Some kits include personal hygiene wipes along with the pads or tampons. The kits we provide to schools allow students to discreetly transport period products with them in school and beyond. As teenagers, it’s important to be informed, prepared, and comfortable with your body. We know our work is important and further breaks down the stigma surrounding periods.
2 in 5 girls experience period poverty sometime in their life in the USA.
Why it Matters
76% of students believe that society teaches a stigma around periods, teaching that they are gross and embarrassing.
23% of students have struggled to afford period products.
85% of students agree that public schools should provide free period products.
How to get Involved
Host a Product Drive
Hosting a drive at your school helps bring awareness to the situation, as well as helping your fellow classmates.
Spread the Wealth
Hosting drives in your community, targets a much wider audience and supports women and girls from all walks of life.
Write Letters
Writing to corporate officials of pads and tampons companies, and government officials helps get the word out as well as demanding for change, and asking for donations.