Hamilton residents now have free access to tampons and pads as city addresses period poverty
Published December 1, 2021 at 10:44 am
In an effort to end period poverty, residents in Hamilton now have access to free menstrual products.
As part of Hamilton’s Menstrual Products Pilot, washrooms, recreation centres will carry tampons and pads. Local food banks and hot meal program centres through Hamilton Food Share will carry the products, as well.
The year-long pilot seeks to explore sustainable and reliable ways to bridge gaps in access and address period poverty — which is a lack of access to menstrual products due to financial constraints which is a health equity issue affecting girls, women, and persons who menstruate.
“While households are struggling to put food on the table, affording other necessities, like menstrual products may be out of reach for many,” said Joanne Santucci, CEO of Hamilton Food Share. ”
We are committed to ensuring this product is readily available at local food banks for all who will need it. Our objective is to remove the barriers to affordability and access for people living in poverty. We thank the City of Hamilton for their leadership on this important initiative and for their support in making it happen.”
The program is funded through a $121,000 municipal investment.
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Menstrual products are available in baskets or bins in 18 women’s and universal washrooms at five City of Hamilton recreation centres including, Dalewood Recreation Centre, Dominic Agostino Riverdale Community Centre, Huntington Park Recreation Centre, Normal Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre, and Westmount Recreation Centre.
An evaluation of the pilot, including the impact of the program, distribution methods, products distributed, and projected program costs will be included in a report back to the Emergency and Community Services Committee in late 2022.
“The city is pleased to support the Menstrual Product Pilot Project initiative and be responsive to the needs of those looking to access menstrual care products in our community,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. “By removing barriers and creating easier access to essential products, community members have the option to access resources at various food banks and at a time that suits them.”
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