One MTSD: Stronger Together Launches May Period Product Drive with Community FoodBank of New Jersey

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — One MTSD: Stronger Together is partnering with the Women Fighting Hunger Initiative at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey to host a period product drive throughout the month of May.The drive coincides with Women’s Health Month and Period Poverty Awareness in New Jersey. Organizers said the effort is intended to help ensure everyone can manage their period with dignity.According to information provided by One MTSD: Stronger Together, period poverty is closer to home than many people realize. In New Jersey, 1 in 9 women and girls between the ages of 12 and 44 lives below the Federal Poverty Level. Across the United States, 2 in 5 menstruates struggle to purchase period products, and 1 in 3 low-income women reports missing work, school, or other commitments due to lack of access.How to HelpResidents may donate new, unopened pads or tampons at the Mountainside Library throughout May. Any brand is welcome, as long as items are in their original, unopened packaging.Those who prefer to shop online may use the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s Amazon Wish Lists to have products shipped directly to CFBNJ.Residents may also donate funds. According to organizers, $36 provides a full year’s worth of period products for someone in need.Why It Matters“Too many people with periods are forced to choose between purchasing period products and paying for other necessities,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, President and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Access to these products is essential to health, dignity, and opportunity. That’s why every year, the #GreatBigPeriodProductDrive is critical — helping to ensure that neighbors can stay in school, remain in the workforce, and maintain healthy, active lives.”Organizers said period products are a basic necessity, yet for far too many people, they remain out of reach. Every pad, tampon, and dollar collected through the drive stays close to home, supporting New Jersey neighbors and helping them live with dignity.One MTSD: Stronger Together said it is proud to stand with CFBNJ’s Women Fighting Hunger Initiative in addressing this often-overlooked dimension of food and economic insecurity in the community.About One MTSD: Stronger TogetherOne MTSD: Stronger Together is a women-led, all-volunteer grassroots group bringing neighbors together to stay informed, support one another, and engage in the civic life of Mountainside.The group’s mission is to build a more connected, inclusive, and engaged Mountainside where information is accessible, voices are heard, and residents feel empowered to shape the community’s future.The group said Mountainside is strongest when neighbors are involved — whether by attending a meeting, sharing updates, asking questions, or stepping into leadership.For more information about the One MTSD: Stronger Together period product drive, contact erin.kraven@gmail.com.To learn more about the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s Women Fighting Hunger Initiative, visit cfbnj.org.