In a quiet corner of a Halifax community center, volunteers sort through boxes of menstrual products—tampons, pads, and menstrual cups—preparing care packages for those who cannot afford these essential items. This scene repeats across the Maritimes as grassroots organizations and established charities alike respond to a growing crisis of period poverty, exacerbated by inflation and the rising cost of living.
“We’ve seen a 40 percent increase in requests for period products in just the past year,” explains Sarah MacIntosh, director of the Halifax-based initiative Period Promise. “What many don’t realize is that menstrual products are not luxury items—they’re necessities that can cost individuals up to $6,000 over their lifetime.”
Across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, a network of dedicated organizations has emerged to address this often-overlooked aspect of poverty. The Period Poverty Coalition of Atlantic Canada now coordinates efforts between more than two dozen regional groups, ensuring resources reach those most in need.
The economic impact of period poverty extends far beyond the immediate discomfort. Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a public health researcher at Dalhousie University, points to concerning statistics: “Our research shows that approximately 23 percent of students in Maritime schools have missed class due to lack of access to menstrual products. This translates to educational setbacks that can affect career opportunities and economic prospects.”
For organizations like the P.E.I.-based “Flow Initiative,” the challenge is multifaceted. “We distribute approximately 10,000 products monthly through schools, shelters, and community centers,” says founder Rebecca Collins. “But distribution is only part of the solution. We’re also working to destigmatize conversations about menstruation and advocate for policy changes.”
Indeed, policy advocacy has become a central component of these initiatives. New Brunswick’s Period Equity Now successfully lobbied three municipalities to provide free menstrual products in public buildings last year. Similar campaigns are underway throughout the region, with advocates pointing to British Columbia’s province-wide program as a model.
The financial burden on these organizations is substantial. “Our annual budget has nearly doubled to keep pace with demand,” notes Jason Peterson of Nova Scotia’s United Way chapter, which helps fund several period poverty initiatives. “The combination of increased need and product inflation has created a perfect storm.”
Corporate partnerships have emerged as one solution. Several Maritime-based businesses, including Sobeys and Irving, have implemented matching donation programs for period products. “We’ve donated over $75,000 in products and financial support this year,” confirms Melissa Thompson, Sobeys’ community engagement director. “It’s not just charity—it’s about recognizing that period equity is essential for community wellbeing.”
Some initiatives are taking innovative approaches beyond traditional distribution models. The Saint John-based “Red Box Project” has installed specially designed vending machines in community centers that dispense free period products. Meanwhile, sustainable options like reusable pads and menstrual cups are being promoted as both environmentally and economically beneficial long-term solutions.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Rural communities in particular face distribution obstacles, with some residents needing to travel significant distances to access free products. “We’re developing mobile distribution units to reach underserved areas,” explains Michael Donovan, who coordinates rural outreach for Period Promise.
As these initiatives continue to evolve, many advocates emphasize that permanent solutions must include policy changes at the provincial level. “Charitable efforts are crucial stopgaps, but ultimately, access to menstrual products should be a right, not a privilege dependent on donations,” argues Nova Scotia MLA Claudia Chender, who has proposed legislation to provide free products in all public schools and government buildings.
As Maritime communities continue to grapple with economic pressures, the work of these organizations highlights how period poverty intersects with broader issues of gender equity, health access, and economic justice. The question remains: will temporary charitable solutions evolve into permanent policy changes that recognize menstrual products as essential health items deserving of public support?
