Period Poverty in Maryland means women and girls cannot afford menstrual products. About 1 in 9 girls in the state live below the poverty line. For them, buying pads and tampons is often too expensive. Without these products, women may use unsafe alternatives, or go without, which can cause health problems and discomfort,.
Women facing homelessness, domestic violence or economic hardship in Maryland are most often affected. Shelters are often full and operate too often with a lack of menstrual care for these women. This makes it harder for women to manage their periods with dignity. Missing school or work because of period challenges is common, which only adds to their struggles.
To fight period poverty, The Period Pantry offers free menstrual products and education if needed. Ending period poverty is key to helping women live healthier, more stable lives.
we think that's too much.
Period Pantry is a nonprofit that collects menstrual products and donates them to our network of women in need, domestic violence and homelessness shelters.
But intrinsically, Period Pantry was born from who I am and the journey it took to get to this point: where we can truly see change as we continue to advocate for better justice for those who menstruate.
Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I often saw women and girls in crisis situations, especially those experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, suffering from a lack of hygiene supplies. I realized that providing menstrual products and other essentials could significantly improve their dignity, health, and give them the sense of empowerment I believe all women deserve.
My goal in founding this organization is to address these disparities directly and ensure that women in need no longer have to suffer silently due to economic hardships, or where they are in life. I am committed to creating a supportive community where every woman has access to the essentials she needs to live her life with confidence and a restored sense of dignity.
- Leanne
“The Period Pantry has been a lifesaver for me. I no longer have to worry about affording these essential products. Thank you for your support!”
Allison Haney
About Period Pantry
The Period Pantry is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, dedicated to ending gender inequities among women by providing free menstrual products to those in need.