Period Poverty in the U.S.: The Hidden Struggle and How to Help
Share
For millions of people in the United States, having a period means facing a tough choice—buying food or buying menstrual products. Period poverty is a growing crisis that prevents individuals from accessing the essential hygiene products they need to manage their periods safely and with dignity.
At othercare, we believe no one should have to struggle for basic necessities. Let’s explore the real impact of period poverty and how you can help create change.
What Is Period Poverty?
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, and education due to financial hardship. It affects low-income families, students, incarcerated individuals, and the homeless population.
Shocking Statistics on Period Poverty in the U.S.:
🔴 1 in 4 teens struggles to afford period products, forcing them to miss school. – Alliance for Period Supplies
🔴 Over 20 states still have a ‘tampon tax’, classifying period products as non-essential. – Period Law
🔴 The SNAP and WIC programs do not cover menstrual products, leaving low-income individuals with limited or no access. – National Diaper Bank Network
How Does Period Poverty Affect Lives?
💔 Missed Education & Work
Students who can’t afford period products miss school, affecting their academic performance. Many working individuals also miss shifts due to a lack of supplies.
⚠️ Health Risks
Without proper products, people resort to using rags, toilet paper, or even socks, increasing the risk of infections and reproductive health issues.
🚧 Social Stigma & Shame
Period poverty worsens the stigma around menstruation, leaving individuals feeling embarrassed and isolated.
How You Can Help End Period Poverty
✔️ Support Legislative Change – Advocate for policies that remove the tampon tax and expand access to free period products in schools, shelters, and public restrooms.
✔️ Donate Period Products – Many local organizations provide free supplies to those in need.
✔️ Shop with Purpose – Brands like othercare give back 5% of every purchase to support period poverty programs.
Make a Difference Today with othercare
At othercare, we’re committed to ending period poverty by funding programs that provide:
🔹 Free period products to underserved communities
🔹 Advocacy efforts to make menstrual care more accessible
🔹 Education on menstrual health and period positivity
💜 You can help break the cycle of period poverty—one donation at a time.
#EndPeriodPoverty #PeriodEquity #MenstrualJustice #TamponTax #PeriodAccess #DignityForAll #PeriodHealth #SupportMenstrualEquity