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Poverty takes on many shapes, and one of its often overlooked and shunned facets is period poverty.
Among low-income individuals, the inability to access essential menstrual hygiene products, such as tampons or pads, exacerbates the challenges of poverty. According to a 2023 survey by Environics Research, approximately one in six Canadians who menstruate have directly experienced the difficulties stemming from period poverty.
To combat this issue, Women and Gender Equality Canada chose Food Bank Canada in November to oversee a national pilot project, investing $17.9 million to address period poverty. This initiative’s mission is to distribute free period care across pilot locations throughout Canada.
Partnering with Food Banks Canada for the national pilot project is joni, a Victoria, BC-based period care brand. Their collaboration aims to establish a nationwide network for accessible and sustainable period care options, representing a crucial step in addressing menstrual equity issues across the country.
“We are incredibly honoured to partner with Food Banks Canada as a product and distribution partner for the national pilot project,” writes joni on Instagram. “joni’s mission has always been to drive menstrual equity forward and we couldn’t be more grateful to play a part in this essential initiative. We applaud Food Banks Canada for supporting a Canadian business and working with joni to build a national ecosystem of accessible and sustainable period care options.”
Specializing in providing easy-to-use, sustainable, and chemical-free menstrual solutions, joni offers pads and tampons crafted from compostable and biodegradable materials, carrying certifications such as FSC, OEKO-TEX®, and ECOCERT. They prioritize transparency by openly disclosing all ingredients, empowering individuals to make informed choices regarding their body care products.
Moreover, joni is dedicated to fostering period equity by ensuring sustainable period care accessibility for all, including initiatives within educational institutions and workplaces through their innovative joni dispensers.
