Montgomery County officials announced today that free period product dispensers will be installed across all county-owned facilities, including the Eastern Montgomery County Courthouse Annex and the Health & Human Services building in Willow Grove, along with Lorimer Park and Pennypack Trail facilities in Huntingdon Valley.
The dispensers are described as “an effort to widen access to menstrual products and alleviate the burden of period poverty, when people are unable to afford or get access to adequate menstrual hygiene products,” according to a statement.
“For those who have to make tough decisions about paying bills, buying food, or looking after their health, period products often end up at the bottom of the list, even though they are essential items,” said Jamila H. Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “Stocking bathrooms in county buildings helps alleviate period poverty and ensures that our most vulnerable residents, including those with limited incomes and unstable housing, feel cared for.”
From the statement:
Period products are classified as “paper goods” in Pennsylvania’s tax code and are not taxed, along with toilet paper and diapers. However, they are not eligible purchases for those who rely on SNAP or WIC. To address the issue of period poverty at the state level, the Pennsylvania House passed two bills in 2023. House Bill 850 would require the commonwealth to apply for a federal waiver allowing SNAP and WIC to cover menstrual hygiene products, when made available to the states. House Bill 851 would create a grant program for public schools to provide free period products. Both bills are now with the Senate; however the most recent state budget now funds $3 million toward menstrual products for schools.
The announcement additionally noted that Montgomery County state Senators Maria Collett and Amanda Cappelletti introduced Senate Bill 906, which would require Pennsylvania’s public agencies serving those who are young, low-income, homeless, or incarcerated to provide free period products.
“Everyone should have access to the menstrual products they need to live healthy, productive lives, but we know that’s not the reality for far too many of our neighbors,” Senator Collett said. “As a nurse – and as a lawmaker who has prioritized menstrual equity since taking office – I’m so thrilled to see my home county leading the way here. With today’s announcement, and with the $3 million we secured to provide period products in Pennsylvania’s public schools through this year’s state budget, the momentum is on our side. Now more than ever, it’s time for the state to follow Montco’s lead and pass my and Senator Cappelletti’s Menstrual Equity Act to put these essential products in public restrooms across our Commonwealth.”
For a list of County-owned and operated buildings, you can click here.
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