Women's Fund works to change 'period poverty'

The Women's Fund, an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, is fighting "period poverty" through a new initiative called Change the Cycle. During the fund's annual SHEroes event, 160 women gathered to learn about period poverty, and more than 25,000 pieces of period supplies were collected. The goal is to collect 1 million pieces for distribution to Lorain County agencies, schools and individuals. Period poverty is the lack of access to affordable period products and is a growing issue for many Lorain County women. "Not having affordable access to period products forces low-income women to choose between feeding their families and prioritizing their health," said Women's Fund President Michelle Barb. "This is a choice no woman should have to make." In Lorain County, 18 percent of women and girls live below the federal poverty line, limiting their access to period products, the fund said. Race disproportionately affects the number of girls affected by poverty and access to products here in Lorain County: 65 percent of Black girls, 51 percent of Hispanic girls and 16 percent of white girls live below the poverty line. Period products are not covered under WIC or by food stamps. One in 5 low-income women across Ohio report missing school or work due to the lack of period supplies, according to the Women's Fund. Across the U.S., women without period supplies often use substitute products such as toilet tissue or socks and stretch product usage, which can lead to severe health issues. The Women's Fund is looking for volunteers to host period product supply drives throughout Lorain County, in workplaces, schools, libraries and churches, or via civic organizations such as Scout troops or sports teams. Once collected, products will be distributed to people, nonprofits and schools through a collaboration with the United Way of Greater Lorain County. Any money raised will help purchase supplies in bulk for pennies on the dollar. To learn about hosting a period product supply drive, contact the Women's Fund at (440) 984-7390 or wf@peoplewhocare.org.