Community FoodBank Kicks Off Period Product Drive

EGG HARBOR TWP, NJ — During April the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) will run the Great Big Period Product Drive to address period poverty, a public health problem affecting thousands of New Jersey residents, the food bank announced in a press release. The campaign, led by CFBNJ's Women Fighting Hunger, will collect hygiene products and funds and raise awareness of the issue.

Most-needed items are regular maxi pads, super maxi pads and panty liners. All items must be new and in original packaging. The drive will run through the end of the month.

Lack of access to period supplies due to financial limitations, known as period poverty, often results in stress and shame, as well as time lost from school and work. Nationwide, according to a survey by U by Kotex, more than two in five people with periods say they have struggled to access period products. The Alliance for Period Supplies estimates that one in four teens has missed class for lack of a maxi pad or tampon.

“Our mission involves not just providing food but also access to critical resources, like hygiene supplies,” Carlos Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, said in a release. “Combatting period poverty is closely related to our core function of fighting hunger. Period supplies are not covered by most federally funded public assistance programs, and with tight budgets, neighbors in need often struggle to afford them.”

Donation drop-off locations include (call ahead for hours):

ATLANTIC COUNTY: AtlantiCare HealthPlex, Atlantic City; AtlanticCare LifeCenter, Egg Harbor Twp.; CFBNJ-Southern Branch Community Assistance Pantry, Egg Harbor Twp.; Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties, Margate.

CAPE MAY COUNTY: Bethel Commandment Church of the Living God of New Jersey, Whitesboro; Caring For Kids, Cape May Court House

CUMBERLAND COUNTY: Salvation Army, Bridgeton, and these Inspira Health Network locations: IMG Women’s Offices, 2950 College Dr. and 2466 E. Chestnut Ave.; Maternal and Fetal Medicine and Cafeteria, Inspira Medical Center Vineland, all in Vineland; and Inspira Health Center Bridgeton Cafeteria.

Online donations to #GBPPD can be made at: https://give.cfbnj.org/team/414820. Local groups and individuals are encouraged to run their own drives and can learn more by calling (609) 383-8843.