Menstrual Product Drive to Benefit Local Shelters

A collection of feminine care products by members of the Suffolk County Legislature proved successful, but also highlighted the impact the exclusion of these products from government assistance programs is having on women and girls.

Suffolk County Legislator and Presiding Officer Rob Calarco and Legislator Bridget Fleming teamed up to address lack of access to menstrual products faced by women throughout Suffolk County communities, holding collections at their offices.

According to Ms. Fleming, an average menstruating American will spend an estimated $1,773.33 over their lifetime on tampons alone, and the economic burden on menstruating Americans has only increased during the coronavirus pandemic. When their offices discovered that period products were not covered by government assistance programs like SNAP and Medicaid, the legislators decided to host a collection at their offices to benefit local food pantries and shelters.

Not having access to period products makes it harder for women and young girls to manage their periods safely and with dignity. According to UNICEF, poor menstrual hygiene can cause physical health risks, and can stop women from reaching their full potential when they miss out on opportunities crucial to their growth. This can include school attendance, job interviews and performing employment responsibilities.

Beyond the economic burden, period poverty can have severe consequences for mental health. According to a study, for those who reported experiencing period poverty every month, 68.1 percent also reported symptoms consistent with moderate or severe depression, which linked the trend with similar ties between food insecurity and mental health.

“The exclusion of these products from public assistance programs poses a significant challenge for those already facing food and job insecurity in the wake of COVID-19, as these items can be costly. While our efforts were successful, I believe we must work to address this shortcoming to ensure that all individuals have access to the products they need, especially those already at risk for poverty and houselessness,” said Mr. Calarco.

“Bringing attention to the inequities exposed by this issue was a major objective of the campaign. I was pleased to see the outpouring of community response to the menstrual products drive and how we are now able to supply shelters and food banks with these items. Going forward, we must look for systematic ways to provide these essential items to women and girls who find the costs challenging,” said Ms. Fleming.