St. Louis Area Diaper Bank

Period Poverty: A Growing Need in the St. Louis Region! 

What is period poverty?

Half of the population menstruates yet 1 in 4 struggle to purchase period supplies due to lack of income. This period poverty means people miss out on daily life because they are unable to afford the basic hygiene necessities they require to thrive. 

A growing need.

A 2021 study conducted by U by Kotex® revealed that 2 in 5 people have struggled to purchase period products, a 35% increase from 2018 research. 

Key findings include:

• A quarter of Black (23%) and Latina (24%) people with periods have struggled to afford period products in the past year.
• Over one-third (38%) of low-wage women report missing work, school or similar events due to lack of access to period supplies.
• Nearly 7 in 10 (68%) people agree that period poverty is a public health issue, yet only 4% of Americans are aware of a local resource where free or reduced cost period supplies are available.

The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank makes a difference.

1. We ensure that people in the St. Louis region have access to free, high-quality menstrual supplies through partnerships with community organizations, shelters, and food pantries.

2. We empower individuals with proper hygiene and health, reducing the risk of infections and other health issues making them less likely to experience the shame that can come with period poverty.

3. We breaking the stigma around menstruation by distributing period products and offering educational resources to encourages open conversations about menstrual health.

4. We empower people to continue their daily activities—whether that’s going to work, school, or caring for their family—without the added burden of worrying about their menstrual health.

Join us in our mission. 

Your support ensures that no family or individual has to choose between basic needs and their well-being. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.