BEAM Partners with Renewing Dignity in Fight Against Period Poverty

The Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) volunteers and staff remain resilient, and continue to serve the influx of families in Jacksonville’s beaches area communities who have been hard-hit by the economic impact of COVID-19. The non-profit organization is working to ensure their most at-risk populations have access to emergency services, while adhering to recommendations from the CDC, the Florida Department of Health and local authorities.

With funding from the Ponte Vedra Women's Civic Alliance, Renewing Dignity, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating period poverty, supplied five pallets, totaling 86,400 sanitary pads, to the BEAM Food Bank in January. Utilizing the BEAM Food Bank’s distribution channels allowed for quick dispensation to low-income women living in Jacksonville’s beach communities who struggle to afford feminine hygiene products. Sanitary pads and tampons are not covered by SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, often referred to as food stamps.

Before the pandemic, one in four women struggled to purchase menstrual products due to a lack of income. With the pandemic still affecting much of the country, and many families continuing to feel the financial stress of the pandemic; these essential items continue to be an expense that many local women cannot afford.

“Many people are unaware that one in five women report missing work, school, or an event due to a lack of access to period supplies,” said Jan Healy, Renewing Dignity founder. “This problem is more prevalent for females who are experiencing food insecurity. Partnering with BEAM allows us to serve these clients most efficiently and leverages our impact.”

Toilet paper, diapers, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products are just a few of the items not covered by SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Because of this, these basic hygiene items are highly requested by BEAM clients when they make an appointment at BEAM's Food Pantries in Jacksonville Beach and Mayport.

Meagan Anderson, BEAM Food Bank Manager (far left in photo), replied, "This donation from Renewing Dignity will make a big difference in the lives of many women and girls. In addition to supplying our food pantries, we have delivered a pallet to the Mayport USO to help local military families and distributed boxes to six of the local public middle and high schools in the beaches area."

‘Period poverty’ significantly affects a huge number of American school children. Menstrual products are as vital as a balanced meal or school supplies, and yet are not provided with any systemic approach in our schools.

“It breaks my heart to know that I have neighbors who are struggling, and are having to choose between buying menstrual products, or putting food on the table,” said Caleigh Quast, BEAM Development Coordinator. “No woman should be without these products; it is an absolute necessity to everyday life. BEAM is honored to be part of the fight against period poverty in our area. Thank you Renewing Dignity!”

About Renewing Dignity

Renewing Dignity was founded two years ago to eliminate “period poverty” through menstrual product distribution, education and advocacy, believing that meeting menstrual hygiene needs is a human right that nourishes health and safety, dignity, equity and social justice. Renewing Dignity wants to ensure that every woman, girl and person that menstruates is empowered to manage her menstruation safely, hygienically, with confidence and without shame, where no one is limited by something as natural and normal as her period.

About BEAM

Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) helps provide emergency assistance and a path to economic stability to low income families and individuals in the Jacksonville beaches area. Founded in 1985, BEAM's services include rent and utility assistance, two food pantries, the BEAM Food Bank, and a garden that provides thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables and fruits annually to our clients. In addition, BEAM offers nutrition, single parent and senior case management programs, assistance with SNAP Benefits (food stamp) and Medicaid applications, income tax filling help (in partnership with RealSense), Thanksgiving baskets, and a Back to School program serving about 700 kids each year. BEAM also makes referrals to other agencies that can provide additional support services to families in crisis. BEAM is a 501 C 3 non-profit organization. For more information, please visit www.jaxbeam.org.

For further information, please contact Lori Richards at (904) 241-7437 x1 or email her at Lori@jaxbeam.org.