St. Louis Area Diaper Bank

Period Poverty: A Growing Need in the St. Louis Region! 

What is period poverty?

Half of the population menstruates. We all know plenty of people that have a period. But not everyone knows that one in four people struggle to purchase period supplies due to lack of income. This is called period poverty, and chances are we each know someone who has experienced this need — a neighbor, a co-worker, a friend.No student should have to miss school, no adult should have to miss work, and no person should have to miss out on daily life because they are unable to afford the material basic necessities they require to thrive. 

A growing need.

A 2021 study conducted by U by Kotex® revealed that two in five people have struggled to purchase period products, a 35% increase from the brand’s initial research in 2018. Earlier data inspired U by Kotex® to become the founding sponsor of the Alliance for Period Supplies in 2018, and to help people to affected by period poverty. The new data was released in conjunction with Period Poverty Awareness Week 2021. 

The study also uncovered how period poverty is disproportionately impacting Black and Latina people, as well as how COVID-19 exasperated this public health issue. 

Key findings include:

A quarter of Black (23%) and Latina (24%) people with periods strongly agree that they’ve struggled to afford period products in the past year.

27% of all respondents said the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to access period products, with two-thirds (65%) of those who have struggled stating they lacked access because they could not afford them.

Over one-third (38%) of low-wage women report missing work, school or similar events due to lack of access to period supplies.

Nearly seven in ten (68%) people agree that period poverty is a public health issue, yet only 4% of Americans are aware of a local resource where free or reduced cost period supplies are available.

Here’s how the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank makes a difference:

1. Providing Access to Menstrual Products: The Diaper Bank works to ensure that people in the St. Louis region have access to free, high-quality menstrual supplies. By partnering with community organizations, shelters, and food pantries, they distribute products to those who need them the most.

2. Fostering Health and Dignity: By providing period products, the Diaper Bank helps individuals maintain proper hygiene and health, reducing the risk of infections and other health issues. This support also allows people to feel more empowered, dignified, and less likely to experience the shame that can come with period poverty.

3. Breaking the Stigma: The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank is committed to breaking the silence around menstruation. By distributing period products and offering educational resources, the Diaper Bank helps reduce the stigma and encourages open conversations about menstrual health.

4. Empowering Individuals: Access to period products allows people to continue their daily activities—whether that’s going to work, school, or caring for their family—without the added burden of worrying about their menstrual health. It helps individuals feel confident and maintain a sense of control over their lives.

Join Us:

Your support enables us to bridge critical gaps and ensure that no family or individual has to choose between basic needs and their well-being. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission toward a healthier, more equitable future.