Community FoodBank Collects Period Supplies At Somers Point ShopRite

SOMERS POINT, NJ — Five shopping carts were filled with period supplies as Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) marks the return of its month-long menstrual product campaign.

During the month of May, the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive will raise awareness and collect period products and funds to address period poverty, a problem faced by thousands of New Jersey residents. CFBNJ's Women Fighting Hunger volunteers are spearheading the campaign.

On May 4, four ShopRite stores in New Jersey served as drop-off sites for the drive, including the Somers Point location. Five shopping carts were filled with donations and $426 was collected. Statewide at four Village Super Market stores, the May 4 drive collected 1,000 boxes of period products and $3,000 online.

The #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive will run throughout the month of May, culminating with National Period Poverty Awareness Week, May 20-28. Individuals, groups, and companies are invited to join in the effort by conducting their own in-person or virtual drives or by supporting CFBNJ's drive. Because of CFBNJ's extensive buying power, cash donations to the drive will have a powerful impact. A $25 donation can provide a year's worth of maxi pads for someone in need, according to the food bank.

Donations can also be dropped off during business hours at CFBNJ's Egg Harbor Twp. Warehouse, 6735 Black Horse Pike.

Nationwide, more than two in five people with periods say they have struggled to access period products. It is also estimated by the Alliance for Period Supplies that one in four teens has missed class for lack of a maxi pad or tampon. Period products are not covered by most federally funded public assistance programs, like SNAP and WIC.

“Period products are necessary for the health and well-being of people with periods,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Those who struggle to afford nutritious food may also lack consistent access to these critical items. We're proud to come together with the community to raise awareness and gather resources to address an often-hidden issue that affects thousands of people across the state.”

For more information on how to support the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive, visit cfbnj.org/GBPPD.

The public can also contribute to the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive by purchasing products through CFBNJ's Amazon wish list at cfbnj.org/amazon and having them sent directly to the FoodBank. To send products to CFBNJ's Hillside warehouse, select the following delivery address at checkout: Megan Vartan, CFBNJ – Women Fighting Hunger Hillside, NJ.