A group of local community organizations is making strides in ending period poverty in Fall River.
The Coalition Against Period Poverty, a group of over 30 community organizations, has been working since 2019 to bring to light the barriers and stigmas faced by those who require access to menstrual products. Of particular interest are those in local schools and in low-income communities. Wendy Garf-Lipp, Executive Director of United Neighbors of Fall River, says city youth face a constant challenge of obtaining menstrual products.
Garf-Lipp says an even bigger factor for youngsters is feeling uncomfortable talking about their periods in a school setting, a shame and stigma that is unique to those who menstruate.
Progress has been made in Fall River in the past year as schools have stepped forward to ensure period poverty becomes less of a concern.
United Neighbors has partnered with the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women to secure a $150,000 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program to launch a Menstrual Product Distribution Program in the city to supply schools, shelters and other agencies with menstrual products.
Garf-Lipp says talking about menstruation and access to products should be a requirement in schools.
Fall River joins Cambridge, Sommerville, Brookline and Boston Public Schools in providing students with free access to menstrual products. There is also state legislation filed to mandate free access to menstrual products in schools statewide.
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