How To Access Free Period Products In The US

The average person will spend around $15 a month just on tampons, if you've got a heavier flow it might be more since you're doubling up with pads. If you struggle with painful periods, that's an extra cost each month on painkillers. Perhaps you missed work and don't get sick pay - that's another cost that makes your period seem like it's draining your bank account. It shouldn't be like this for anyone. We wanted to share some organisations and ways you can access free period care across the nation.

Open hand holding two reusable menstrual cups, one clear and one purple, on a burgundy background

Your Local Food Bank

If you are struggling to afford period products, then you can visit your local food bank and explain this. The majority of food banks have a personal hygiene section and here you will find feminine hygiene products. We know it can feel awkward asking, but it is your right to have access to these products and these organisations have been set up to give you the things you need. There will be free and accessible period care from pads and tampons, occasionally menstrual cups too.

If You're At School, Ask Your Nurse's Office

In the UK, it is mandatory for all schools to give free period products, however in the US only around 50% of schools have this legislation in place. It's worth checking if your school has this system in place and raising it if they don't. There are lots of organisations that provide free period products to US schools, so you could make a recommendation for one of the following:

PERIOD. — Youth-led nonprofit with 150+ local chapters that donate period products directly in their communities, including schools, alongside pushing for the state laws requiring free products in schools.
The Pad Project — Provides grants to US school districts specifically to purchase bulk menstrual supplies for students.
Dignity Period — Distributes reusable sanitary pads to schools across the US (each pad replaces roughly 240 disposable pads or tampons over its lifetime).
Alliance for Period Supplies — While best known for community distribution, it also publishes toolkits and works with districts to help schools implement free product programs under the new state laws.

If You Run A Community Initiative, Try These Organisations

The Period Purse is a Canadian organisation set up in 2017 by mother and school teacher Jana Girdauskas. They donate period products to homeless people who would otherwise not be able to afford or access period care. They also distribute free period products to community initiatives, with the contact form available on their website
Alliance for Period Supplies — The largest network of its kind in the US, connecting 200+ local "allied programs" (many run through food banks and diaper banks) across the country. Text or call 211 to find one near you.
I Support the Girls — Collects and distributes period products and bras to people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or crisis, through affiliate chapters in cities nationwide.
#HappyPeriod — Black-led nonprofit distributing menstrual hygiene kits nationwide, with a focus on low-income and unhoused people.
Helping Women Period — Distributes free period products through food pantries, shelters, and partner charities, with a focus on homeless and BIPOC communities.
National Diaper Bank Network — Runs the Alliance for Period Supplies as one of its core initiatives, working through local diaper banks that also stock period products.
A Woman's Worth Inc. — Sews and donates period product kits to shelters, alongside advocacy and legislative work on period dignity.

Hand squeezing a red menstrual cup and a clear menstrual cup together against a pink background

If You're Working In An Office, Try This

Your place of work should be a place where you can feel safe and supported. Not all of us have that luxury, but things are getting better, albeit slowly, for women at work. More and more businesses realise that we are much more likely to stay with the company if we are supported (they finally realised, hey?).

Here are some practical tips for assessing your workplace's approach to menstrual health:

Checking in with your manager or HR department about menstrual leave, availability of free period products and any other benefits regarding fertility treatments, private healthcare appointments and access to gynaecological care
If they are currently providing period products which contain harmful plastics or toxins, ask them to make a switch to a more sustainable and responsible option. Plenty of companies (like us!) work with corporate clients to provide better period products for their employees.
Can you safely advocate for yourself at work when you're having menstrual difficulties? Who is the person you can go to if you're having trouble with your female health?

We want everyone to feel supported on their period at whatever stage of life or situation they might be in. Everyone deserves access to supportive period care. If you, or anyone you know, is in need of free period products please do reach out to one of the organisations above or send us an email: hello@lenacup.com for more information.

Written and edited by Dr Rachel Denham, a trained medic and Women's Health Practitioner, who has worked across the charity and humanitarian sector and now specialises in women's health. Rachel is the creator of Bloody Nora, a women's health and wellbeing zine that fuses storytelling, art and science.