State’s largest food bank will collect supplies and funds to address period poverty across New Jersey
HILLSIDE, NJ – April 25, 2024
For a third year, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) is holding a month-long statewide campaign to help provide period supplies for neighbors in need. During the month of May, the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive will raise awareness and collect period products and funds to address period poverty, a problem faced by thousands of New Jersey residents. CFBNJ’s Women Fighting Hunger volunteers are spearheading the campaign.
On Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, four Village Super Market stores throughout New Jersey will serve as drop-off sites for the drive. Participating locations include:
- ShopRite of Old Bridge: 600 Schulmeister Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
- ShopRite of Livingston: 483 S Livingston Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039
- ShopRite of Greater Morristown: 178 E Hanover Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
- ShopRite of Somers Point: 23 Bethel Rd, Somers Point, NJ 08244
Most-needed items include regular maxi pads, super maxi pads, and panty liners. All items must be new and in original packaging. Procter & Gamble will match all product donations made that day to help CFBNJ collect twice as many period supplies.
Nationwide, more than two in five people with periods say they have struggled to access period products. It is also estimated by the Alliance for Period Supplies that one in four teens has missed class for lack of a maxi pad or tampon. Period products are not covered by most federally funded public assistance programs, like SNAP and WIC.
“Period products are necessary for the overall health and well-being of people with periods,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Those who struggle to afford nutritious food may also lack consistent access to these critical items. We’re proud to come together with the community to raise awareness and gather resources to address an often-hidden issue that affects thousands of people across the state.”
The #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive will run throughout the month of May, culminating with National Period Poverty Awareness Week, May 20-28. Individuals, groups, and companies are invited to join in the effort by conducting their own in-person or virtual drives or by supporting CFBNJ’s drive. Because of CFBNJ’s extensive buying power, cash donations to the drive will have a powerful impact. A $25 donation can provide a year’s worth of maxi pads for someone in need.
For more information on how to support the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive, visit cfbnj.org/GBPPD
The public can also contribute to the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive by purchasing products through CFBNJ’s Amazon wish list at cfbnj.org/amazon and having them sent directly to the FoodBank. To send products to CFBNJ’s Hillside warehouse, select the following delivery address at checkout: Megan Vartan, CFBNJ – Women Fighting Hunger Hillside, NJ.
CFBNJ is a founding allied program of the National Diaper Bank Network’s Alliance for Period Supplies. The FoodBank’s Period Initiative provides supplies to low-income, unhoused, and sheltered people across its service area. Last year alone, CFBNJ distributed more than 3 million period supplies to nearly 124,000 individuals through the Period Initiative.
CFBNJ’s Women Fighting Hunger supports the goals and priorities of the organization, providing food, help, and hope through hands-on philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration. Skilled volunteer opportunities are available year-round, through a program that also provides opportunities for education, personal growth, and a sense of community. To learn more and get involved with Women Fighting Hunger, visit cfbnj.org/womenfightinghunger.
##
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a member of Feeding America® and the state’s largest anti-hunger organization, has been delivering food, help, and hope across the Garden State for nearly 50 years. Last year, CFBNJ provided nutritious food for over 90 million meals through its network of more than 800 community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, child and senior nutrition programs, and more, serving 11 New Jersey counties directly and four in partnership with affiliate food banks. It also addresses the root causes of food insecurity with supportive services like nutrition education, job training, SNAP outreach, and hygiene product distribution. By delivering neighbor- centered solutions and collaborating with all sectors of society, CFBNJ believes that food insecurity is a solvable problem.