$95K grant going towards providing affordable menstrual products to BC residents in need

Residents in B.C. will have an easier time accessing menstrual products thanks to a new grant that will go towards the United Way Period Promise research project.

Through a $95,000 grant from the provincial government, the project will distribute menstrual products to 12 non-profit agencies that serve vulnerable populations throughout B.C.

The agencies will make them easily accessible to clients from July 2019 to July 2020.

Always and Tampax have partnered with the United Way to provide menstrual products at a significantly reduced rate, allowing the United Way to increase the amount of participating non-profit agencies.

"Period poverty creates barriers and stigma, and leaves people isolated," said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

"The United Way's project will use the knowledge and experience of local organizations already working closely with vulnerable people. This research will help us better understand how we can create solutions that will make a difference."

Quarterly data will be collected on the number of people served and products used, how the lack of access to menstrual products because of financial limitations, known as "period poverty," affects people's lives and how addressing the issue can benefit communities.

The report will be presented to government in December 2020.

The ministry of social development and poverty reduction said that the grant is “part of a larger shift in government toward better supports and services for the people who need them most.”

"Having a period is a part of life for more than half our population, and not being able to afford basic hygiene products can be devastating,” said Mitzi Dean, parliamentary secretary for gender equity.

“Tackling period poverty closes the gap on gender inequality. By providing affordable menstrual products, those who menstruate will have the freedom to participate fully in life's activities."