Our nation is currently facing a severe tampon shortage (because apparently a never-ending pandemic wasn’t bad enough).
Menstruators are heading to pharmacies only to find the shelves empty. According to NPR, stores like Target, CVS, and Walgreens say that suppliers are having trouble filling their orders.
Unfortunately, a tampon shortage isn’t the only issue facing menstruators these days. Because, even if the shelves were full of products, many menstruators still wouldn’t be able to afford them.
According to a 2019 study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, 64% of cisgender women in the United States were unable to purchase menstrual products at least one time in the past year and 21% had trouble affording menstrual products every month.
This is called period poverty and it’s an issue that faces menstruators around the globe. Those who suffer from period poverty are forced to create makeshift pads with whatever they can find — paper towels, toilet paper, even diapers.
The tampon shortage will (hopefully) eventually end, but period poverty will continue. If you have the means, the resources, and the access to donate tampons and other menstrual products, here are a few great organizations that you can give to.
1. Period.org
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Period.org is focused on addressing period poverty using three different avenues: direct donations of menstrual products to those in need, educating the public, and advocating for legislation to make systematic change. In 2021 alone, Period.org donated enough menstrual products to cover 3 million menstrual cycles.
If you’re interested in donating, you can give either money or products. If you plan to donate products, make sure you check out their wishlist to make sure you donate what they need most.
2. The Period Pantry
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The Period Pantry is specifically dedicated to distributing period products to those in need in the Columbus, Ohio area.
There are many ways to get involved with the organization including donating, volunteering, and hosting your own period supply drive. If you choose to donate products, check out their Amazon wishlist to guide your purchase.
3. #HappyPeriod
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#HappyPeriod is the first Black menstrual movement. The organization is currently focused on three projects. The first, PPE, was created in response to the COVID crisis. They’ve redefined PPE to Period Protection Essentials and have created period product dispenser machines for schools, community centers, and shelters.
Their second project, Period First Care Kit is a partnership with menstrual brand Rael in which Rael donates 100% of the proceeds from the sale of every First Period Gift Set. Their third project, Period Pop-Up, is aimed at education and providing resources, curriculum, and products to adolescents, teens, and young adults.
You can make a donation to #HappyPeriod here.
4. Helping Women Period
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Helping Women Period is a nonprofit that was started back in 2015. They specifically focus on distributing period products to menstruators who are either homeless or low-income.
If you want to support the organization, there are a number of ways you can get involved including donating, volunteering, and hosting a period product drive. The easiest way, of course, is a monetary donation. The company buys period products in bulk to cut back on costs so your donation goes a long way. You can also send products directly to their location in Michigan. If you live in Michigan, you can also reach out to schedule a pickup.
Learn more about donating menstrual products to Helping Women Period here.
5. Your Local Food Bank
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Many food banks accept pad and tampon donations. You’ll need to reach out to your local food bank to see what products they are currently accepting.
You can find a food bank close to you here.
