With funding from the Ponte Vedra Women’s Civic Alliance, Renewing Dignity, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit, supplied five pallets, totaling 86,400 sanitary pads, to the Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) food bank in January.
Using the food bank’s distribution channels allowed for quick dispensation to low-income women living in Jacksonville’s beach communities who struggle to afford feminine hygiene products. Sanitary pads and tampons are not covered by SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, often referred to as food stamps.
Before the pandemic, one in four women struggled to purchase menstrual products due to a lack of income. With the pandemic still affecting much of the country and many families continuing to feel the financial stress of the pandemic, these essential items continue to be an expense that many local women cannot afford.
“Many people are unaware that one in five women report missing work, school or an event due to a lack of access to period supplies,” said Jan Healy, Renewing Dignity founder. “This problem is more prevalent for females who are experiencing food insecurity. Partnering with BEAM allows us to serve these clients most efficiently and leverages our impact.”
Toilet paper, diapers, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant and feminine hygiene products are just a few of the items not covered by SNAP. Because of this, these basic hygiene items are highly requested by BEAM clients.
"This donation from Renewing Dignity will make a big difference in the lives of many women and girls,” said Meagan Anderson, BEAM food bank manager. “In addition to supplying our food pantries, we have delivered a pallet to the Mayport USO to help local military families and distributed boxes to six of the local public middle and high schools in the beaches area."
“Period poverty” affects a large number of American school children. Menstrual products are not provided with any systemic approach in schools.
“It breaks my heart to know that I have neighbors who are struggling and are having to choose between buying menstrual products or putting food on the table,” said Caleigh Quast, BEAM development coordinator. “No woman should be without these products; it is an absolute necessity to everyday life. BEAM is honored to be part of the fight against period poverty in our area.”
