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Is Offering Free Menstrual Products Expensive?

Is Offering Free Menstrual Products Expensive?

February 15, 2023

Restrooms, whether in workplaces, schools or public spaces, should always offer ALL basic necessities including free menstrual products to support those who experience a menstrual cycle

Some places already have a dispenser installed, but most of those machines are out of stock or broken. Even when they work, they are most likely coin-operated, which is a problem since literally no one carries loose change in their pockets anymore. As a result, menstruators have to constantly prep in advance or risk being without a pad or tampon. 

We all know that feeling of having to rummage through your bag to find a pad or ask a coworker or classmate if they have an extra. *Cue the anxiety*

Oftentimes, menstruators even have to leave work or miss their classes to go to a store to buy menstrual products. 

It’s plain and simple: When menstrual products are freely accessible, people feel comfortable enough to work without worrying about running off to the store in case of an unexpected visit from—you guessed it—Aunt Flow!

So, is offering free menstrual products expensive? 

The Cost of Free Menstrual Products

Cost is often cited as one of the factors holding organizations back from offering pads and tampons for free. 

“Isn’t providing free menstrual products expensive?” is a common question asked, but the good news is, it’s not actually that expensive. 

For Schools and Universities

Schools and universities should budget $10-$20 per menstruating student per year for menstrual products.

For Businesses

A business should budget $5-$10 per menstruating employee per year for menstrual products.

When you take these costs into account, it’s such a small price to pay in order to improve the lives of menstruators in your community. 

Get a custom quote today, and let’s start changing the world one cycle at a time! 

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Stay in the flow — we’ll send you period positivity + timely updates on the menstrual movement.

claire coder,founder + ceo

claire coder,
founder + ceo

Hi! I’m Claire. I founded Aunt Flow after getting my period in public without the supplies needed.

Founded in 2016, Aunt Flow is a certified WBENC women-owned company based in Columbus, Ohio. At 18 years old, I dedicated my life to developing a solution to ensure businesses and schools could sustainably provide quality period products, for free, in bathrooms. Our products are made with organic cotton (no weird stuff) and we are constantly working to reduce our environmental impact! For every 10 tampons and pads we sell, we donate 1 to a menstruator in need. I call this people helping people. PERIOD.®

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