Did You Know?

Did You Know Food Stamps Cannot Be Used on Hygiene Products?

Many individuals are surprised to discover that food stamps, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), cannot be used to purchase essential items such as shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, toothpaste, or feminine products. These items are costly and are often not available at food banks.

Statistics

One in three (34%) of low-income families found it difficult to afford basic household necessities in the past year.
Nearly three in four (73%) low-income families have cut back on food in the past year in order to afford household goods. Of these, one in four (24%) report doing so each month.
63% of families prioritize washing only the children's clothes in an effort to promote good hygiene among their children.
One-third of families unable to afford household goods report bathing without soap (33%) or reusing diapers (23%) in order to get by without these basic necessities.
Some families also substitute specific household goods for others, such as using shampoo as dish soap or baking soda as deodorant.

More Facts

Kids come and stay in School when their clothes are clean

Chronic absenteeism is a significant issue among students from low-income households. remedies have been attempted to address this, including punitive measures for truancy, but they have often failed due to a lack of understanding of the obstacles that poverty presents.

Hygiene Impacts Education & Employment?

Poor personal hygiene can result in social stigma and discrimination, affecting a person's chances of getting hired or being accepted in a school environment.

Good hygiene is essential for maintaining personal and professional relationships, as it demonstrates respect for oneself and others

Good hygiene habits such as hand washing can lower the risk of illness, leading to better attendance and higher productivity. Improper hygiene can result in disciplinary action or even termination of employment, especially in industries with strict health and safety regulations. Regular personal hygiene practices such as showering and brushing teeth can also improve physical and mental health, leading to improved performance in educational and work settings.

Hygiene Impacts Mental Health

Good personal hygiene can improve mental health.

Feeling clean and well-groomed can improve self-esteem and overall well-being. Lack of personal hygiene can lead to low self-esteem and decreased confidence, affecting a person's performance in educational or work settings. Good hygiene habits can improve interpersonal relationships, making it easier for individuals to form positive relationships with classmates and colleagues.

Hygiene Impacts Mental & Physical Health

Good personal hygiene can improve mental health. Feeling clean and well-groomed can improve self-esteem and overall well-being.

Lack of personal hygiene can lead to low self-esteem and decreased confidence, affecting a person's performance in educational or work settings. Good hygiene habits can improve interpersonal relationships, making it easier for individuals to form positive relationships with classmates and colleagues.

Hygiene Impacts Physical Health

Good personal hygiene helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases, reducing absenteeism in schools and workplaces. Good oral hygiene prevents oral health issues: Brushing and flossing teeth regularly helps prevent cavities, gum disease and bad breath.

Proper hygiene helps maintain skin health: Regular bathing and cleansing of skin helps prevent skin infections, rashes and other skin problems. Regular grooming prevents infestations: Regular grooming and bathing can help prevent infestations of lice, fleas, and other pests.

Good hygiene helps prevent body odor: Regular bathing and use of deodorants can help prevent body odor.