Period supplies are being collect by the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP - The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is holding its second annual month-long statewide campaign to fight period poverty, an often unseen public health issue. During the month of May, the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive will raise awareness and collect period products and funds to address a problem faced by thousands of New Jersey residents. CFBNJ's Women Fighting Hunger are spearheading the campaign.
Lack of access to period supplies due to financial limitations, known as period poverty, often results in stress and shame, as well as time lost from school and work. Nationwide, according to the Alliance for Period Supplies, two in five people with periods have struggled to afford period products. It is also estimated that one in four teens has missed class for lack of access to period supplies. Period products are not covered by most federally funded public assistance programs, like SNAP and WIC.
When people with periods are forced to stay home from school or work because they can't afford critical hygiene supplies, their financial stability and mental health can suffer greatly, said Karen Leies, Chief of External Affairs at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. CFBNJ seeks to address root causes of hunger, and ensuring access to period products to keep our neighbors in need healthy and productive is an important part of this mission.
The drive will run through the month, culminating with National Period Poverty Awareness Week, May 22-28. Individuals, groups, and companies are invited to join the effort by conducting their own in-person or virtual drives or by supporting CFBNJ's drive. Most-needed items include regular maxi pads, super maxi pads and panty liners. All items must be new and in original packaging. Because of CFBNJ's buying power, cash donations to the drive will have a powerful impact, as well. A $25 donation can provide a year's worth of maxi pads for someone in need.
Donations can be dropped-off during regular business hours at CFBNJ's warehouse at 6735 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township. For more information, call 609-380-3671, or visit cfbnj.org/gbppd, to learn how to run your own drive. Online donations can be made at: https://give.cfbnj.org/EHT.
CFBNJ's Women Fighting Hunger will host an engaging and educational virtual Lunch & Learn on period poverty noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 23. A panel of local and national thought leaders will share their insights. Registration is available for free at cfbnj.org/gbppd.
To learn more and get involved with Women Fighting Hunger, visit cfbnj.org/womenfightinghunger.
