Historic Cuts to SNAP Deepen the War on Women Abby J. Leibman wrote this in July for MS Magazine, and it is spot on, read it.
So far we’ve seen an uptick in Food Bank, Mutual aid programs donations, which is great but since SNAP may only be fifty percent restored in November and who knows about December it going to be a long hard Winter. Many States have tightened the SNAP work requirement already, so Women are going to be in more of a double bind, missing work could mean losing your job and what’s left of your SNAP benefits.
For 1 in 3 low-wage earners women, this means missing work, school, and outings because of a lack of period supplies.
Due to greed inflation and corporate monopolies' the prices of Period Products have soared. More women are experiencing a unique challenge each month due to elevated inflation that men don’t face: affording their monthly menstrual cycle. Also Families will need other basic personal care items to be able to go to work like soap, shampoo, toothpaste.
So if your feeling the need to physically donate something consider donating personal care items. From Feeding America: These aren’t typically at the top of donation lists, but they’re essential for health, confidence, and dignity. Items like: Toothpaste and toothbrushes Soap and shampoo Deodorant Feminine hygiene products Toilet paper.
Most Food Banks don’t stock them, they rely on donations. While some large Cities have organizations addressing this need, many smaller cities and towns don’t. When we think about essential needs, food typically comes to mind as the primary concern. However, it’s vital to recognize that personal hygiene products are just as crucial for maintaining a healthy and dignified life. Toiletries encompass a range of items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, and more.
So I have made Cash donations to my Food Bank and dropped off some soap, shampoo and period products this month, it’s only a little bit but everything helps. Personal care items also go very fast at our neighborhood www.littlefreepantry.org -under 1-2 hours fast.
