Abstract

Background: Two in five menstruators struggle to afford period products at some point in their lives. Menstruators experiencing period poverty are often dictated which and how many period products they receive. Products received by menstruators experiencing period poverty may not be the right type or absorbency and are discarded without use. To address period poverty in Dayton, Ohio, USA the Free Flo Box (FFB) organization created period product pantries, which allow menstruators to choose which and how many products they need. FFB operates two-period product pantries, which are free-standing cabinets. Pads, tampons, and menstrual cups are available anonymously, 24 h a day, and 7 days a week. Objective: This article aims to: (1) determine if FFB pantries are an effective model for period product distribution (2) analyze pantry utilization trends, and (3) compare the pantry model of distribution to existing methods of period product distribution. Design: This is a longitudinal observational study of period product pantry utilization. Methods: Descriptive statistics and zero-inflated binomial regressions were conducted to analyze FFB utilization. Results: FFB pantries have provided over 30,000 products in less than 2 years, with a monthly average of 1736. Utilization of the pantries continues to grow. As gas prices increased, significantly more reusable and significantly less single-use products were taken. Pantries were more likely to be utilized on days when it rained but utilization was not affected by temperature. The pantry model overcomes barriers of fixed hours, perquisites for use, regular and reliable supply, and predetermined amounts and types of products provided. Conclusion: Period product pantries are an effective model of period product distribution and highlight the need for greater access to period products. While period product pantries will not solve period product poverty, they can help menstruators in need on a local level.

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