What community group are you working with to distribute the donation?
Amenity Aid
Their mission is to improve the health and well-being of low-income, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities by creating access to essential hygiene products, including period supplies. Serving all of Rhode Island, we distribute toiletry necessities through our network of direct service agencies, similar to the way the food bank distributes food. Since our founding in 2013, we have distributed 316,549 hygiene supplies and kits throughout Rhode Island. In 2022, we distributed 4,807-period products to Rhode Islanders in need.
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Why is it important to address this issue in your community?
Despite their necessity, period products are not covered by SNAP or WIC benefits. Already struggling with food and housing insecurity, Rhode Island residents in need are turning to shelters, food pantries, and community organizations, which are often unable to keep their shelves stocked with period products due to their own funding constraints.
What are you doing as an elected official to support policy measures that impact period product access?
I supported House Bill 7140, an act relating to health and safety – feminine hygiene product donation act. (Provides for immunity provisions for persons involved in donating feminine hygiene products to charitable or nonprofit organizations.)
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