Here are key facts about hygiene disparities in the St. Louis region, highlighting the urgent need for programs like this.

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• Period Poverty: Nearly two-thirds of low-income women in St. Louis cannot afford menstrual hygiene products at least once per year.

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• Food vs. Hygiene Trade-Off: 46% of surveyed women reported they couldn’t afford both food and period products during the past year.

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• School Impact: 1 in 4 teens in St. Louis misses school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene supplies.

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• Unsafe Alternatives: Some residents resort to using toilet paper, socks, or towels in place of proper hygiene products, risking infection and emotional distress.

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•Dignity & Mental Health: Lack of hygiene access directly affects self-worth, confidence, and participation in work, school, and social life.