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 12-18, 2025.
This year’s theme – Ending the Cycle, Together—aims to harness the collective strength of individuals, organizations, and policymakers working to end period poverty in the U.S., drive systemic changes in public policy
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.
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 a PPAW event – see details below
- share our social media posts throughout PPAW.
Menstrual Hygiene Day of Action
Join us for a Day of Action and conversation on Wednesday, May 28th at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis during their popular ‘Coffee Talks’. “Menstrual Hygiene Day” is observed to raise awareness about the importance of access to menstrual products, period education, and what we can do to fix it.