Menstrual products available at Hamilton Food Share locations citywide

HAMILTON, ON – Beginning today, residents can access free menstrual products in Hamilton Food Share’s 23 emergency food centres (food banks and hot meal programs) across Hamilton as part of Hamilton’s Menstrual Products Pilot.  

The year-long pilot seeks to explore sustainable and reliable ways to bridge gaps in access and address period poverty. Period poverty is a lack of access to menstrual products due to financial constraints which is a health equity issue affecting girls, women, and persons who menstruate. Hamilton’s Menstrual Products Pilot was developed with the principles of supporting individuals who menstruate and are experiencing financial need, upholding personal dignity, and providing choice.

The pilot, funded through a $121,000 municipal investment, offers universal access to free tampons and pads in women’s and universal washrooms at select recreation centres across the City, in addition to granting funding to Hamilton Food Share for the purchase and distribution of menstrual products through its network.  

Hamilton Food Share is leveraging the City’s investment of $91,000 and creating partnerships to ensure for ongoing and sustainable access to menstrual products across the system beyond the length of the pilot. 

An evaluation of the pilot including impact of the program, distribution methods, products distributed, and projected program costs will be included in a report back to the Emergency and Community Services Committee in late 2022.

“The city is pleased to support the Menstrual Product Pilot Project initiative and be responsive to the needs of those looking to access menstrual care products in our community. By removing barriers and creating easier access to essential products, community members have the option to access resources at variety food banks and at a time that suits them.” - Mayor Fred Eisenberger

 “While households are struggling to put food on the table, affording other necessities, like menstrual products may be out of reach for many. We are committed to ensuring this product is readily available at local food banks for all who will need it. Our objective is to remove the barriers to affordability and access for people living in poverty.  We thank the City of Hamilton for their leadership on this important initiative and for their support in making it happen.”  - Joanne Santucci, CEO of Hamilton Food Share

Quick facts

• Residents can access free menstrual products at Hamilton Food Share’s 23 Emergency Food Centres which includes food banks and hot meal programs. For a list of locations visit www.hamiltonfoodshare.org/contact-2/food/
• Free menstrual products are available in baskets or bins in 18 women’s and universal washrooms at five City of Hamilton recreation centres including, Dalewood Recreation Centre, Dominic Agostino Riverdale Community Centre, Huntington Park Recreation Centre, Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre, and Westmount Recreation Centre.