Shapiro Administration Delivers Funding for Free Period Products to all Pennsylvania School Districts

Harrisburg, PA - The Shapiro Administration today announced that all school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools will receive funding to provide free period products to students.

Governor Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 budget includes $3 million to provide period products in schools to help close a gap in women's health care.

"Josh and I believe all Pennsylvanians deserve the opportunity to succeed and chart their own course. By providing free period products in schools, we are reducing stress for young people and making sure they can learn without more unnecessary distractions," said First Lady Lori Shapiro. "I'm proud we got this done to support students across our Commonwealth and ensure no student has to miss school due to having their period."

The funding enables schools to provide access to period products at no cost to students and complements the efforts undertaken by the Shapiro Administration to improve health equity.

"We know that students are missing valuable learning opportunities when they have their periods because they don't have access to menstrual products," said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. "Providing menstrual hygiene products for students will positively impact public health and education for young people throughout Pennsylvania."

Applications and reimbursement requests will not be required. All school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools will receive funding. Funding is proportional to the total number of students enrolled in a school and based on a rate of $1.75 per student. Schools may use the funding for period product purchases made between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

Funding allocations for the 2024-25 Feminine Hygiene Product Grant Program's non-competitive, non-solicitation grants can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Health website. Schools have the option to opt out of receiving grant funding. Any remaining funds following the first round of grant funding will be dispersed in a second round.

"Students deserve to learn in environments where they are safe, healthy, and cared for-and providing schools with menstrual products at no charge will ensure that no learner has to miss school because they can't access the care they need," said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. "The Shapiro Administration is committed to health equity for learners of all ages in all areas of the Commonwealth, and this funding will provide another critical resource to Pennsylvania's school communities."

Schools should consider privacy, responsiveness, access, and education when developing and implementing strategies to make period products available to their students. Additional guidance and suggestions are available in the Menstrual Equity for Pennsylvania Students - Guidance for School Entities.

"No one should have to miss class because they cannot access menstrual products. The Governor's Advisory Commission on Women is thrilled to see this funding going to schools to ensure students can focus on learning," said Moriah Hathaway, Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women. "First Lady Lori Shapiro has been a champion for this grant program. The Commission applauds her advocacy efforts and has been proud to support them."

For more information on how the 2024-25 budget will create opportunity for Pennsylvanians, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark O'Neill, DOH, [email protected] Erin James, PDE, [email protected]

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