Supplies for Everyone

Did you know that about a quarter of the world’s population gets a period? It’s true! But for many people, finding sanitary supplies like tampons and pads can be a struggle. These items aren’t always available in places like schools. They also can be expensive. Lack of access to sanitary supplies is known as period poverty. 

Virginia teens Isabel Buescher, Ariyanna Ghala, and Ramsey Warner, all 15, believe that no one should have to experience period poverty. To raise awareness of the issue and ensure access to supplies in their community, they’ve built a cupboard, or pantry. They fill the pantry with free sanitary products for anyone who needs them. The teens explain why they created the free cupboard of supplies and why period poverty is a problem that affects us all. 

Like many students, Ariyanna first learned about menstruation in the fifth grade. “I remember I was really scared when I heard about it, and I even started crying,” she says. Her mother reassured her by telling her that periods are nothing to be afraid of. 

When the time came for Ariyanna to buy her own supplies, her mom took her to the drugstore. Ariyanna was surprised by how expensive pads and tampons are. For example, a box of 18 tampons can cost as much as $7. Over time, that expense can really add up. 

Americans spend about $2 billion a year on menstrual products. Ariyanna started thinking about how someone with limited economic means would be able to afford these essential items every month. The truth is, not everyone can. According to a recent study, about half of low-income women in the U.S. sometimes struggle to afford both food and sanitary products each month. 

Ariyanna shared her concerns with Isabel and Ramsey, who were members of her Girl Scout troop. The girls learned that many states charge a sales tax on menstrual products, commonly called the tampon tax. Other health products, such as eyedrops and pain relievers, are not taxed in the same way. “It’s unfair that period products are taxed, since they’re a basic necessity like groceries and medical supplies,” says Ramsey. The friends became determined to do something about this problem.

The teens explain that access to products isn’t the only issue related to period poverty. Many people are taught that menstruation is shameful or shouldn’t be discussed openly. Ariyanna says, “Some of my extended family members never say that they get their period. They actually call it ‘getting your auntie.’ I think they don’t like to say it out loud because they feel embarrassed.” 

Ramsey says she also thinks young people use euphemisms because of their discomfort discussing the topic. “I’ve noticed a lot of people our age, regardless of gender, don’t know as much as they should,” she says.

The teens believe the stigma and lack of education about menstruation contribute to period poverty. They think that if more people understood this basic bodily function, they’d see that supplies are essential. 

The friends wanted to ensure that everyone in their community has access to period supplies. With help from Isabel’s mom, they put together a plywood and plexiglass structure for period supplies. 

Next, the teens had to find a location. “We needed a place where we would have permission, and where we knew it would be accessible to a lot of people,” says Isabel. They found the perfect spot on the grounds of a local church that already had a free food pantry. They hoped that by putting their pantry in such a visible location, they would send the message that no one should feel embarrassed about using sanitary supplies. 

The Free Period Pantry has been operating since September 2022. It’s refilled at least twice a week by the teens and community members. The teens have also set up an Amazon wishlist for people who want to contribute. Other Girl Scout troops have reached out to find out how to start their own pantries. The girls hope to continue to grow their project to reach other communities as well. 

While some may believe that period poverty is a problem that affects only people who get a period, the teens believe that all people should be educated about the issue. “Everyone should learn about periods, regardless of gender,” Ramsey explains. “After all, laws about women’s health are not passed only by women. The people passing these laws should have deep knowledge about women’s health, because these laws affect the women in their lives and everyone who has periods.”