1 in 4 Teens and 1 in 3 Menstruating Adults Struggle to Purchase Period Products Due to Lack of Income.

Awareness has grown globally about menstruating individuals struggling because they lack period products. Far less recognized is the impact of this issue right in our own community. A significant portion of low-income menstruating individuals in North Carolina do not have affordable access to the products they need each month.

As with other hygiene products not covered by government programs such as WIC and SNAP (food stamps), menstruating individuals must make difficult trade-offs to cope with the expense of menstrual pads and tampons. They skip rent payments or go without groceries. They use fewer products at the expense of health and hygiene. They substitute by using toilet paper to line their underwear and then worry about embarrassing accidents.

The inability to afford personal essentials increases emotional stress and stigma. It drives menstruating individuals to miss school, work, or social engagements. Above all, it challenges their sense of personal dignity.

At The Diaper Bank of North Carolina, we believe that dignity is not a privilege.

Menstruating individuals deserve to be able to fully participate in their lives, no matter the time of the month. One way The Diaper Bank of North Carolina is addressing period poverty in the NC community is through the Free Period Pantry.