Philadelphia, PA – Yesterday, First Lady Lori Shapiro visited Kensington Health Sciences Academy to highlight how the School District of Philadelphia supports their students by offering free menstrual products in school restrooms. First Lady Shapiro met with students, faculty, staff, and administrators to discuss the importance of the program and learn more about student needs.
“Access to menstrual products is a matter of dignity and equity, yet too many students across Pennsylvania still face uncertainty during the school day,” said First Lady Shapiro. “It’s encouraging to see districts like the School District of Philadelphia stepping up to meet this need by offering free period products. With dedicated state funding for the first time, we’re making sure no student misses out on learning due to a lack of basic necessities.”
Thanks to a $200,000 investment from the Commonwealth, the School District of Philadelphia recently launched its Menstrual Health Equity Program – a new initiative to provide menstrual products including pads, tampons, period underwear, and emergency underwear at no-cost to 92 middle schools, high schools, and educational option program schools. This program was formed after the District worked to collect valuable insights and feedback directly from students – including more than 50 students on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board, representatives of Students Against Period Poverty, and the Philadelphia Youth Commission – and input from over 600 students in a survey conducted in collaboration with Revolution4Youth.
“We are grateful to Governor Shapiro and his Administration for prioritizing access to necessary hygiene products that will create a more equitable and supportive environment in our schools,” said Tony B. Watlington Sr., Ed.D., Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “By reducing period poverty, our students will have the opportunity to better focus on their education.”
“Period poverty is a real issue that can impact attendance, academic performance, and overall well-being,” said Kendra McDow, MD, MPH, FAAP, System Medical Officer at the School District of Philadelphia. “We’re proud to offer free period products to our students because this is more than just hygiene, it's about creating an inclusive environment to reduce period stigma and increase access to products.”
Governor Shapiro is committed to ensuring that students have the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom, which is why he secured $3 million in his 2024-25 bipartisan budget to provide free menstrual products for students in K-12 schools. In his 2025-26 budget proposal, he called for another $3 million to continue providing these products at no-cost for students.
“It’s inspiring to see school districts like the School District of Philadelphia taking meaningful steps to support student well-being by providing free period products,” said Ruby Mundok, Executive Director, Governor Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement. “With the help of state funding, programs like these play a vital role in removing barriers to learning and ensuring every student has access to the essential resources they need to thrive in school.”
Pennsylvania’s young women deserve peace of mind so they can focus on academic learning, attendance, and health. This is an issue First Lady Shapiro has engaged on directly, visiting nonprofits that work to distribute menstrual hygiene products in communities, inviting stakeholders to the Governor's Residence, and visiting schools across the Commonwealth to hear from students directly. She has also heard directly from young women about the importance of access to these products.
Read more about Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal here.
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