Did you know one out of four American women cannot afford monthly menstrual supplies? Known as period poverty, there are women who must choose between buying food and purchasing sanitary products.
On an individual level, this inadequacy creates barriers to education, employment, social, and religious connections. Girls and women will miss school, socialization, and work—losing wages, impacting learning and mental health, and compounding the cycle of poverty.
The Women’s Philanthropy Division of Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey is taking on hygiene insecurity in collaboration with Dignity Grows, an organization whose mission is to empower women to fully participate in community life without interruption.
As part of a coordinated effort to purchase and distribute hygiene and period products for any menstruator who needs them, volunteers will come together to pack Hygiene Supply Tote Bags, each containing one month’s supply of sanitary pads, panty liners, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a bar of soap, deodorant, shampoo and hand wipes. Once packed, the totes will be turned over to local agencies who will distribute the totes to people in need.
Tote Packing Parties will take place in Middlesex and Monmouth counties this fall and winter. Watch jewishheartnj.org/women for details and registration to be a part of addressing this most basic need for women in our community. Registration will be open to women, men and teens. 
