Our Kingston food pantries are instrumental in helping to fight food insecurity locally, but what about the need for a pantry dedicated to feminine hygiene products?

Last year, a Harvard study found that 64% of women struggle to afford period products, and 21% can’t afford them at all. Additionally, there are no public assistance programs to help with the cost of these products.

Thanks to the Junior League of Kingston, an all-volunteer, non-profit women’s organization that recently celebrated their 100th year of service in Kingston, they are fighting to change that, by creating a Period Pantry, slated to open in Midtown just ahead of summer, at the Clinton Avenue Methodist Church next to the blue fridge.

“Period Poverty is prevalent in our area,” said Sarah Finch, a Junior League of Kingston member. “Still, to this day, there is a shame in discussing menstruation. Women miss school, and work and experience a reduced quality of life — even serious medical conditions, due to the inability to access items that some never consider.”

The League will hold a drive for products in the spring, to stock the pantry initially, with local businesses and groups assisting in the collection. The pantry will then operate like a food pantry, with local folks who care dropping off supplies when they are able. “We would love to be able to eventually create an ongoing fund to allow us to stock supplies as needed regardless of community support, and we aim to place additional pantries throughout the city in the future that are accessible to different neighborhoods,” added Finch.

To kick things off, a happy hour fundraiser is slated for Thursday, March 16 at Ole Savannah, from 5 – 8 p.m. Tickets are $25, and include appetizers and a raffle entry. For more information and tickets (which can also be purchased at the door), visit: kingston.jl.org.