Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley members Kate Sypek, of Belchertown, from left, Sue Williams, of Belchertown, Gail Lemanis, of Chicopee, and Sandy Goss, of Holyoke, fill bags with feminine hygiene products during a meeting of The Period Project, which supplies homeless women with menstrual kits, Feb. 13 at Ludlow Country Club.

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Why we need to speak frankly.

#ThePeriodProject
For women living with homelessness or poverty, having a period is more than a hassle. It’s a financial burden. Basic menstrual hygiene products are costly, especially for women struggling to support themselves and their families. But pads and tampons are considered “non-essential” by the federal government, so they are not covered by SNAP and WIC programs. What’s more, women and teens who are homeless often lack consistent access to hygiene products and safe sanitary spaces.

LINK: Period Project Wish List on Amazon

You can help by supporting The Period Project! Please donate items to create monthly menstrual kits for homeless women and to stock supplies at local shelters. Together, we can make a period just a little easier for women and teens in need.

25 @10:00 Venture Way Collaborative, 200 Venture Way, Hadley MA

Donations Needed

Sealed boxes of Pads and Tampons

Menstrual Cups (reusable)

Cleansing Wipes

Hand Sanitizers or Soap

Panty Liners

New Pairs of Underwear (any size)

In addition to Period related items, this year we are also collecting other toiletries for children and young adults in Foster Care – especially items targeted for people of color

Cash donations so we can purchase items in short supply.

ADVOCACY SUGGESTION

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, the Massachusetts Senate passed the I AM Bill, bringing the state closer to menstrual equity for its residents. An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products (S.1381 and H.534), would make disposable menstrual products such as sanitary napkins, tampons, and underwear liners available to menstruating individuals in public schools, homeless shelters, and prisons in Massachusetts for free. With the Massachusetts Senate passing the bill unanimously, the bill now must be voted upon by the House of Representatives to continue forward. Please ask your Representative to support this bill.

Drop Off Locations

Venture Way Collaborative