YOUNG WOMEN’S PROGRAM

Foodbank SA & NT has identified that students and families facing food insecurity also struggle to afford personal hygiene products including period products. Schools engaged in the Foodbank School Breakfast Program have highlighted that ‘period poverty’ – a lack of access to sanitary products can lead to young women missing school.

“The Young Women’s Program allows students to access items as required for period care and we believe this improves student attendance (decrease in days away due to not being able to access items) but also supports students to feel confident when they are at school as result of having access to other items to support their personal hygiene.” Community Connections Coordinator, Elizabeth Vale School.

“Some students don’t have access to personal hygiene support at home. This is especially difficult for girls with limited access to pads, cleansing aids etc. Often girls in these situations are too embarrassed to ask for support from teachers or other staff. To have packs we could donate to young girls, to try and lessen this embarrassment, would mean the world to them.” Student Counsellor, Regional Primary School.

Foodbank SA & NT has been running the Young Women’s Program since 2018, distributing sanitary packs to young women in need via schools registered for the School Breakfast Program. Foodbank SA & NT prepare small kits of essential period products for young women along with a few personal care products. Aiming to make life a little easier for young women in need so they can continue to attend school. Each pack contains approximately a weeks’ worth of period products (pads) in a discreet toiletry bag along with, soap, deodorant hair ties and a small pack of tissues. South Australian schools can order the packs to have on hand to provide to students needing support with period products.

“As a school, I want to say a big thank you for supplying the girl’s packs. They are brilliant!” Aboriginal Community Education Officer, Metropolitan Primary School.

Expression of interest

If your school is interested in becoming part of this program, please complete this expression of interest form.

* The Young Womens Program is currently only available in South Australia.