Supporting Women in Our Community
How Can You Help?
The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine collects and distributes period supplies to those in need of them. Purchase and donate some long pads, overnight pads, and/or heavy-flow pads. During Mercy Week, you can leave them in the donation box at the entrance of Mercy Hall that leads to Pearson's Cafe or in the residence hall bathrooms.
How You Can Directly Impact Women in Our Community
Did You Know?
Nationally, 1 in 4 menstruators struggled to purchase period products within the past year due to lack of income.*
In Maine, 1 in 4 school-aged menstruators report having missed school due to lack of period supplies.
Lack of access to period supplies is linked to using substitute products (toilet tissue, cut up clothing, socks), stretching product usage beyond what is medically recommended, or missing important events (school, job interviews, work).
State and federal safety-net programs cannot be used to purchase period supplies.
Area pantries that distribute period supplies report their most requested items are long pads, overnight pads, and heavy-flow pads.
While the use of menstrual cups is more eco-friendly, they require consistent access to running water and bathrooms.
Due to a number of cultural and personal reasons, a majority of menstruators experiencing period poverty in the greater Portland community refuse to use tampons. They are not generally asked for.
Please visit www.allianceforperiodsupplies.org for more information about period poverty.