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Period Poverty Awareness Week

Period Supplies ARE School Supplies!

In some communities, it’s hard to get basic need items like groceries and clothing, and even harder to get hygiene items such as period products, which are essential to our menstrual health. That is why St. Louis Area Diaper Bank will be participating in Period Poverty Awareness Week (PPAW) May 20-28, 2024.

Much like diapers, period supplies are not covered by most federally funded public assistance programs because they are not food items. Period poverty is a public health issue, resulting in mental health issues including feelings of shame, hopelessness, and isolation, as well as poor bodily hygiene and significant risks to physical well-being.

  • 2 in 5 people with periods struggle to afford period supplies.
  • 1 in 4 teens has missed class for lack of a maxi-pad or tampon.
  • 1 in 3 low income women miss work, school, and outings because of lack of period supplies.

Help us spread the word by getting your organization, colleagues, friends and family to participate.

get period supplies

Period Poverty Awareness Week

What is Period Poverty Awareness Week?
No student or adult should have to miss work or school, no individual should have to substitute a sock or tissue for a pad, and no person should have to miss out on daily life because they are unable to afford the supplies they need. That is why the Alliance for Period Supplies created Period Poverty Awareness Week (PPAW) to educate on the issue of period poverty and the impact period poverty has on menstruators.

How is St. Louis Area Diaper Bank Making a Difference?
Through our period supply program, we are working in partnership with local schools, healthcare agencies, libraries, shelters, pantries, and community organizations, to distribute thousands of period supplies to low-income menstruators throughout the St. Louis Metro area. Through a collaboration with the Alliance for Period Supplies, we are engaged in training, outreach, and advocacy work to educate and engage communities about the policies and key decisions affecting menstrual equity and period poverty.

How to Get Involved
Join the Alliance for Period Supplies’ PPAW movement by helping us #endperiodpoverty and get involved by supporting our mission. Here are a few ways you can get involved with us locally:

  • host a period supply drive and then plan a “Period Supply Pack Party” for your friends
  • help us Fill the Cove and purchase supplies from our Wish List
  • donate dollars or set fundraising goal of your own
  • attend our Young Advocates Group “Advocates in Action” workshop on May 21st at 5:30PM
  • join us for a Day of Action for Menstrual Hygiene Day, Tuesday, May 28th
  • share our social media posts throughout PPAW.
Host A Drive & Pack Party

A Period Supply Pack Party is a fun fundraiser that supports the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank Period Supply Program. Gather your friends and family and pack “First Period Kits” for the upcoming school year.

Y.A.G. Advocates in Action Training

Join our Young Advocates Group for their “Advocates in Action” Workshop Tuesday, May 21st at the St. Louis County Library Parkview Branch. An amazing opportunity to become an advocate for change.

Day of Action Advocate

Join us for a Day of Action on Tuesday, May 28th for “Menstrual Hygiene Day.” A day of intentional and definite work to engage the power of a collective voice mobilized around a common goal: making this a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.