The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) is proud to announce its fourth annual #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive, continuing to raise awareness and donations to address period poverty. The campaign is organized by CFBNJ’s Women Fighting Hunger volunteers and runs throughout the month of May in honor of National Period Poverty Awareness Week (May 12-18), with a goal of gathering period supplies and funds to support neighbors in need across the state.
This year’s drive will kick off on Saturday, May 3 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, with drop-off locations at the following ShopRite stores:
· ShopRite of Greater Morristown: 178 E. Hanover Ave., Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
· ShopRite of Watchung: 1701 US-22, Watchung, NJ 07069
· ShopRite of Livingston: 483 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039
· ShopRite of Somers Point: 23 Bethel Rd, Somers Point, NJ 08244
Procter & Gamble is donating over 20,000 feminine hygiene products to support CFBNJ’s #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive, enough to provide nearly 4,200 worry-free days for those in need. The most-needed items include maxi pads, tampons and panty liners. All items must be new and in original packaging.
“We are honored to join the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in this important effort,” said Perry Blatt, director of E-Commerce and Business Development for Village Super Market, the family-owned business that owns and operates the ShopRite stores accepting donations. “Access to menstrual products is a basic need, and together with our customers, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families across New Jersey.”
Since the campaign’s launch in 2022, CFBNJ’s Women Fighting Hunger volunteers have collected more than 250,000 period product supplies through the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive. All supplies collected will be distributed monthly to individuals at CFBNJ’s more than 150 period initiative partnering sites.
Period products are not covered by federally funded public assistance programs, such as SNAP and WIC, leaving many New Jerseyans without access to the supplies they need. Nationwide, more than two in five people with periods report
struggling to access period products, and it’s estimated that one in three low-income women report missing work, school, or other commitments due to a lack of period supplies.
“This year marks the fourth year of the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive. We are so grateful for the continued support from Village Super Market, Procter & Gamble, and the public,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Many individuals facing food insecurity also struggle to afford essential hygiene supplies. By distributing period products, CFBNJ is addressing one of the often overlooked, factors that contribute to food insecurity.”
CFBNJ accepts period product donations year-round. Those who would like to contribute product donations can visit cfbnj.org/amazon to ship items directly to the FoodBank. To send products to CFBNJ’s Egg Harbor Township warehouse, use the following address at checkout: Victoria Branca, CFBNJ – Development Specialist, Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
CFBNJ is a founding allied program of the National Diaper Bank Network’s Alliance for Period Supplies, which supports the distribution of period products to people in need across the state. For more details about the drive visit CFBNJ’s website. To make a financial contribution towards the drive visit the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive’s fundraising page.
CFBNJ’s Women Fighting Hunger group empowers women through hands-on philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration, providing volunteer opportunities and support to the community. To get involved with Women Fighting Hunger, visit cfbnj.org/womenfightinghunger.
