Emergency Food Assistence Program Hero

Period Supply
Program

Period supplies are basic necessities, yet 1 in 4 menstruating Americans went without them this year due to a lack of income, and over one-third of low-income women in the U.S. report missing work, school, or similar events due to lack of access to period supplies. 

The Future of the Period Supply Program

Since 2021, the San Diego Food Bank and our dedicated network of nonprofit partners have distributed more than 15,000,000 period supply products, helping individuals in need attend work and school with dignity, contributing to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Launched as a California state-funded pilot, the program received three years of support through June 30, 2024. In the most recent fiscal year, the Food Bank sustained the program by covering costs out of pocket, reaffirming our commitment to addressing period poverty in our community. 

Effective July 1, 2025, the Food Bank discontinued the Period Supply Program in its original form to focus on supporting college and university students as they work toward building a brighter future through education. 

Looking ahead, we are actively exploring a reimagined model for this program centered on school-based partnerships to provide more targeted and impactful period supply support. 

Thank you for standing with us in this mission. Together, we will continue evolving to meet the changing needs of our community. 

College Student

Are You or Someone in Your Family in Need of Period Supply Products?

The Free4Me program, led by the County of San Diego and community partners, is committed to combating period poverty and promoting menstrual equity by providing free, organic menstrual products such as pads and tampons at over 300 public facilities across the county through “free-vend” product dispensers.

How to Access Free4ME Resources:

  1. Visit the webpage to learn more.
  2. Use the interactive map to find a nearby location offering free menstrual products. (Orange pins are public-facing locations)
  3. Click on a pin near you to see information such as the address and dispenser location.

Thank You to Our Partners

We're proud to be part of the Alliance for Period Supplies and deeply grateful for their support and advocacy. They have been instrumental in helping us expand our reach and impact through the Period Supply Program. We’re also incredibly thankful for our amazing network of nonprofit partners, whose dedication over the years continues to drive our important mission. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

The Food Bank is an official member of the Alliance for Period Supplies, which works to end period poverty in the United States.