NEW ORLEANS — In recognition of Period Poverty Awareness Week, May 11-17, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) is expanding access to free menstrual hygiene products across the region through a new partnership with the Jefferson Parish Library system, building on its ongoing collaboration with New Orleans Public Library.
Period poverty – the inability to afford menstrual products – affects one in four low-income individuals, leading many to miss work, school or daily activities. While 68% of Americans agree that period poverty is a public health issue, only 4% know where to access free or low-cost supplies, according to U by Kotex.
“Access to period products is not a luxury; it is essential,” said Michelle Clarke Payne, JLNO president. “Through partnerships like these, we are expanding our reach and ensuring that more individuals across our region have consistent, reliable access to the basic necessities they need.”
Library patrons in both Jefferson and Orleans Parish can now access free hygiene kits which include a month’s supply of period products discreetly and without question. This community initiative addresses a critical need, as studies show that many individuals struggle to afford period products, which are not covered by federal assistance programs like SNAP or WIC. By offering these resources, JLNO aims to reduce barriers and ensure access to essential supplies with dignity and ease.
Jefferson Parish library locations with period supplies:
- East Bank Regional
- North Kenner
- Rosedale
- West Bank Regional
- Belle Terre
- Live Oak
- Terrytown
As an official Allied Program of the Alliance for Period Supplies, JLNO works year-round to distribute period supplies to those who are experiencing period poverty and takes an active role in civic engagement that can help end period poverty in Louisiana. Since 2018, JLNO has distributed more than 924,725 period products through its Diaper Bank, a critical resource serving thousands of individuals and families across the Greater New Orleans area.
The expansion into Jefferson Parish marks a significant step in JLNO’s broader goal of scaling its impact regionally and strengthening access to essential resources.
“We are seeing firsthand how significant the need is and how quickly these products are utilized once they’re made available,” said Dale O’Neill, chair of the JLNO Diaper Bank. “Community support through product drives and donations is essential to helping us continue this work and reach even more individuals in need.”
In honor of Period Poverty Awareness Week, JLNO is calling on the community to act by hosting product drives to collect menstrual hygiene supplies. These contributions are vital to sustaining and expanding access for individuals and families facing period poverty, increasing the organization’s ability to meet the growing demand.
For more information about Period Poverty Awareness Week and a full list of participating library locations, visit www.jlno.org.
About Junior League New Orleans
Junior League of New Orleans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training. More information on the organization can be found at www.jlno.org.