Always, International Paper and Feeding America Join Forces to Help #EndPeriodPoverty in the U.S.

Always®, P&G’s brand and the leader in global menstrual care, International Paper the leading global producer of planet-friendly packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, Brooke and Breanna Bennett, Co-Founders of Women in Training, Inc. (WIT), and Feeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, joined forces in Washington, D.C. in advance of Menstrual Hygiene Day to drive awareness of period poverty in the U.S. and to pack 600 Period Care kits for donation to the Greater DC Diaper Bank and Mary’s Center.

Period poverty is defined as a lack of access to period protection – and it affects millions of people around the world, even in the most economically developed countries. In the U.S., 1 in 5 girls have missed school due to the lack of access to period products – that is more than 3.5 million girls.

Since the launch of Always’ #EndPeriodPoverty program in 2018, the brand has donated more than 235 million period products to those in need around the world, including more than 75 million in the U.S. in partnership with Feeding America and other organizations.

To help address the ongoing need for period products, Always and International Paper – alongside congressional staff and Feeding America – hosted an event in Washington D.C. on May 24 to drive awareness around the issue of period poverty and the need for legislative policy, while packing 600 kits with period products to be given to Greater DC Diaper Bank and Mary’s Center.

As part of the event, Always recognized and honored the incredible work of Always Period Heroes, including International Paper, Brooke and Breanna Bennett, and Feeding America for their valuable contributions in the collective mission to help #EndPeriodPoverty. Period Heroes represent people and organizations across the U.S. who have already made significant efforts to address period poverty in their local area.

“Always’ brand purpose is built on the ability to foster girls’ confidence, especially during puberty. When someone isn’t properly protected during their period, it puts their confidence, dignity, and education at risk,” said Balaka Niyazee, Senior Vice President of North America Feminine Care at Procter & Gamble. “Our purpose fuels our ongoing commitment to raise awareness of the issue of period poverty, donate products, tackle stigma, and help drive systemic change.”

“Always is proud to continue to partner with International Paper and Feeding America – together we are advocating for the Menstrual Equity for All Act so all girls can stay confident and stay in school,” Niyazee concluded.