Many women struggle to afford menstrual products. A new federal project aims to help

As the cost of living continue to rise across Canada, many women are forced to choose between feeding their families and buying menstrual products, according to advocates.

As the cost of living continues to rise across Canada, many women are forced to choose between feeding their families and buying menstrual products, according to advocates.

In an effort to tackle period poverty — a lack of access to menstrual products, education and hygiene facilities — the federal government announced on Thursday that it will fund $17.9 million to Food Banks Canada. These funds will support the organization in conducting a nationwide pilot program aimed at tackling the challenges of affordability and the stigma associated with accessing menstrual products that many Canadians encounter.

“We are feeling the pressure of rising costs of just about everything. And today we’re thinking about women, those that menstruate, that have to think twice about picking up a box of pads or a box of tampons,” Minister of Women, Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien said during a press conference.

“Period poverty isn’t some kind of abstract concept; it has a direct link to the wallets of women and girls. And it isn’t just about accessibility, it’s also about cost.”

One in six Canadians who menstruate has personally experienced period poverty, and this number rises to one in four if their household earns less than $40,000 a year, according to a March 2023 Women and Gender Equality Canada report. The survey also found that one in five people who menstruate say they may struggle to afford period products over the next year.

Food Bank Canada is set to run the National Menstrual Equity Fund pilot that will distribute free menstrual products to diverse, low-income communities right across the country, Ien said.

The organization will also partner with several grassroots organizations, among them the Allen Gardens Food Bank in Toronto, where the press conference was held.

Meryl Wharton, president of the food bank, said because of rising living costs and inflation, the food bank has seen a surge in visits over the last few years.