These 2 McMaster students are setting up a pantry full of free menstrual products

When Meghna Varambally realized the cost of menstrual products, she wondered how everyone could afford it

Now, the 19-year-oldand her partner, Rita Audi, are both making it easier for people who need menstrual products by setting up a pantry full of free supplies.

"We were inspired by the concept of community fridges which gained traction during the pandemic. Their principles are take what you need and leavewhat you don't," she said.

"We wanted to apply that same principle to menstrualproducts."

Period Pop Ups

The project by the McMaster University students iscalled Period Pop Ups.The pair are using $750from TakingITGlobal'sRisingYouth grant to supply the pantry,and have assembled a team of student volunteers to help maintain it.

The first pantry will beat the Dundurn Market in late February. Varamballysaysit is donation-based, which means people in the community help to supply the pantry for those who need it most.

"Because of the COVID-19 guidelines, we will be individually wrapping menstrual products to limit the amount of contact between community members," she said.

Where else can you find menstrual products?

The issue of access to menstrual products has been much discussedin Hamilton overthe last two years.

More than once, Hamilton city council has debated putting free menstrual products in city facilities. Now the city is launching a pilot program early this year to try it in five Hamilton recreation centres, and to provide local food banks with menstrual products. The pilot will cost an estimated $121,000.

A local charity called the FemCare community health initiativealso provides free menstrual products. The founder,HalimaAl-Hatimy, told city council in 2018 that the average person who menstruates spends $6,000 on menstrual products over a lifetime.

The Dundurn Market is at346 Dundurn St. S.