Together we can educate our neighbors about Period Poverty, an often-hidden public health issue—one that affects thousands of people here in New Jersey. Lack of access to period supplies means stress and shame, as well as time lost from school and work. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 4 teens has missed class for lack of a maxi-pad or tampon.
Much like diapers, period supplies are not covered by most federally funded public assistance programs because they are not food items. And with budgets already stretched, particularly in this era of COVID-19, it can be hard to find the extra dollars needed to purchase them. Not to mention that a global cotton shortage has created supply chain and product procurement issues as well as rising costs.
Throughout April 2022, you can participate in the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive in a number of ways. Learn more about New Jersey’s period poverty issues and hold a period product drive either virtually or in-person.