Huron and Perth counties are looking to combat period poverty by offering free menstrual products in washrooms at select library locations.
This is a pilot project initiated by the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce, a new permanent part of the community.
"The pilot project began at the request of a member of council to investigate free menstrual products available in the County of Huron," said Beth Rumble, director of cultural services and county librarian for the County of Huron. "There's lots of compassion here in Huron and Perth counties and the Huron-Perth period poverty task force is born."
Period poverty is the inaccessibility to necessary hygiene products. It can be due to transportation issues, financial issues, etc.
"We're really hopeful that it will make products available to those who need them," said Rumble. "We also hope to raise awareness about the fact that there is this extra tax on those who menstruate and we have plans in the future to do more education and advocacy relating to this as well."
Rumble said the taskforce's number one priority is bringing some equity to Huron and Perth.
The pilot project begins October 16 and runs until the end of February. If you're wanting to assist with the fight against period poverty, Rumble said soon, there will be a way to do so.
"Get the word out there that this is happening and it's available," she said. "We are also in talks about running a drive for materials and part of this project is a survey. We want to know if libraries are the right location and what the right types of products are."
She added they will soon be making a call for donations and it's something community members can start thinking about.
Once the pilot project concludes, the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce will be looking at the survey and figuring out next steps.
The free products are available in the washrooms at the Alice Munro (Wingham), Bayfield, Blyth, Brussels, Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Hensall, Howick, Kirkton, Seaforth, and Zurich libraries in Huron County, and the North Perth, Atwood, Listowel, Monkton, Perth East, West Perth, Stratford, and St. Mary's libraries in Perth County.
