41.9% - (Why This Number Matters)

The Ripple Effect on Life

Period Poverty disrupts education, leading to missed classes and lower participation. It creates barriers at work, from missed shifts to reduced confidence. It also intensifies financial stress and mental health struggles, multiplying the impact of already challenging circumstances.

A Silent but Widespread Crisis

Despite its prevalence, federal programs still do not cover menstrual products, leaving many without support. The scale of the issue shows that this is not a fringe concern but a public health and equity crisis.

Moving Toward Solutions

Organizations such as Dignity Grows continue to step in, but long-term solutions require systemic change: inclusion of menstrual products in safety net programs, expanded public awareness, and community investment.

Homeless and Graduating: Barriers Facing Students

Homelessness Among Students One in 30 American high school students experienced homelessness last year. For girls, this reality means confronting the unique challenge of managing menstruation without stable housing or consistent supplies. The Strain of Daily...

When the Heat Rises: How Summer Weather Affects Menstrual Health

Summer’s Hidden Challenge Menstrual health does not pause for the weather. High heat disrupts hormones, intensifies cramps, and leads to dehydration, all of which make cycles more difficult to manage. The Physical Toll Longer, heavier bleeding, heightened bloating,...

From Menarche to Menopause

The First Period: Setting the Tone Menstruation begins a long relationship with health, dignity, and self-image. For girls experiencing their first periods, a lack of products can create fear, shame, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Instead of celebrating a natural...

The Menstrual Equity Act is a great start, but more work needs to be done

Hope in a Bag - Dignity Grows Totes provides a month's supply of hygiene products and period necessities, distributed through partner social service agencies that identify the needs of their unique populationsSOURCE: CT Mirror - By Rebecca Carroll, Flagship...

What Period Poverty Nonprofits Are Doing to Change The Future for Girls

Period Poverty is a pressing public health crisis characterized by limited access to menstrual hygiene products due to financial constraints. Shockingly, over one-third of menstruating Americans struggle to afford these necessities, leading to chronic school...

Everything That Goes Into Creating a Dignity Grows Hygiene Tote

Along with large-scale national research, data-driven social policy change advocacy, and groundbreaking national assemblies, is what started it all at Dignity Grows: tote distribution. Dignity Grows Totes are filled with a 1-month supply of hygiene products and...