Women helping Women

Women helping other Women

I was tipped off about this group isupportthegirls.org/… in a comment to my last diary, www.dailykos.com/.…    . 

Their mission statement:  

Periods don’t stop for homelessness… or domestic violence, or natural disasters, poverty or pandemics, or…

And with your help, neither do we. Our team works 24/7/365 so those who need it can count on our compassion. Every single day of the month.

“Individuals, organizations, and even the U.S. federal government have come to ISTG for help. Flooding in Houston, hurricanes in Puerto Rico, wildfires in California, war in Ukraine, a worldwide pandemic …”    isupportthegirls.org/...

They don’t have a chapter in my State, which is mostly rural/small cities, so meanwhile, in my town I keep up the message that the Food Bank and our 3 small pantries need period products.  At today’s rally a women noticed the pack I’d put in the bin and said it’s a good idea and she plans to get some for the next rally.   Actually they are a lot lighter to tote to a rally then canned goods are.  

For various reasons, including corporate greed, period products have increased in price the last 5 years.  

Based on data reported by the Wall Street Journal from 2019 to 2024:

• The average price of a pack of sanitary pads is up 41% to $6.50.
• The price for a package of tampons has jumped 36% to $8.29.   from www.iwf.org/…

There are other options like the reusable  menstrual cups and underwear, but they are not practical for women experiencing homelessness.  I got a good price on some menstrual cups last Fall and donated them to the Food Bank.    The Pantry sees a lot of Women in fluid housing so I put Tampons etc. there.

P&G has already announced price increases they blame on Tariffs, and they control 60% of the period product market, so things are going to get tougher for Women.  I have been buying the Safeway brand, unless there are really good coupons available.   If you check the ISTG web site there maybe a group in your City, otherwise if you attend a  Rally with Food Bank drive, please consider period products as a donation.