New Period Pantry will Expand Access to Menstrual Hygiene Supplies
Britepaths is now offering free menstrual health and hygiene products to community members in need. The Period Pantry at Britepaths, an expansion of our SNAP Gap Pantry, is made possible through a partnership with the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV).
Period poverty is an issue that touches communities across the world, and Northern Virginia is no exception. According to Period.org, “37% of American adults who menstruate said they or their family have struggled to afford menstrual products,” and 50% of American adults who menstruate said rising hygiene product costs have forced them to “change their purchasing habits”.
Menstrual products are not covered by SNAP or WIC benefits, creating a critical gap in care and barriers to education, work, and overall well-being.
“Two out of five women have issues accessing menstrual products, and that is an essential need. It should be free and accessible,” said JLNV President Erica Gouse Bledsoe.
Britepaths’ Period Pantry is one of several set up by JLNV in Northern Virginia and marks our most recent effort to provide stabilizing resources and support for our community members who fall in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population.
Any community member interested in the Period Pantry can call 703.273.8829 or email info@britepaths.org to set up a pick-up appointment.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 25, 2025, commemorated the opening of the Period Pantry at Britepaths’ SNAP Gap Pantry in Fairfax. Britepaths and members of JLNV were joined by Virginia State Senator Jennifer B. Boysko and Delegate Holly Seibold, strong legislative champions for menstrual equity.
“Menstrual equity is an issue of vital importance across our region,” said Abra Kurt, Executive Director of Britepaths. “We are grateful to the Junior League of Northern Virginia for their partnership to help us expand the scope of support we provide while addressing a critical, often overlooked need in our community.”
“We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of our 6th Period Pantry at Britepaths,” said Erica Gouse Bledsoe, President of the Junior League of Northern Virginia. “This Period Pantry not only addresses urgent needs, but it exemplifies the transformative power of partnership between JLNV and our valued community partners to drive lasting, meaningful change in the lives of those we serve.”
You can support Britepaths programs and our community by donating your time, food, household and personal hygiene products, or resources. More information about donating food or household and personal hygiene products is located here; otherwise, please contact info@britepaths.org or 703.273.8829 for more information.
