HARRISBURG, PA — More than 750 Pennsylvania school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools will share $3 million in state funding this year to continue providing free period products to students.
What This Means for You
- Schools will automatically receive funding based on enrollment, with no application required.
- The grant provides $1.79 per student to purchase pads and tampons.
- Schools can use funds for products bought between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Automatic Funding Distribution
The Departments of Health and Education announced that funding allocated in the 2025-26 state budget will be distributed proportionally to qualifying schools based on total student enrollment.
Applications and reimbursement requests will not be required. Schools may opt out of receiving the grant.
The funding continues a program first established two years ago with $3 million annual investments. Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget includes another $3 million to sustain the effort.
First Lady Lori Shapiro said access to period products remains a concern for many students. “Period products are a basic hygiene necessity for students — yet there are too many young girls across the Commonwealth who go to school worrying about whether they’ll have access to pads or tampons during the school day,” she said.
Health and Education Officials Cite Equity Goals
Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said the program supports more than 650,000 girls statewide by reducing barriers that can affect attendance and classroom focus.
“Free period products in Pennsylvania schools help ensure that more than 650,000 girls have peace of mind — so they can focus on their education,” Bogen said.
Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe said access to free supplies can prevent students from missing class or leaving school early.
“For many students, worrying about access to period products is a quiet but very real barrier to learning,” Rowe said.
Local Impact and Use of Funds
Laura Fields, a certified school nurse in Butler County, said feedback from students has been positive. “Several students who have difficulty getting supplies at home have also spoken to me about how this has helped them personally,” Fields said.
Schools may use the grant to purchase period products made available to students at no cost. The funding covers purchases made between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
According to the Department of Health, schools are encouraged to consider privacy, accessibility, responsiveness, and education when determining how to distribute products.
Funding allocations for the 2025-26 Feminine Hygiene Product Grant Program are available on the Department of Health’s website. Any remaining funds after the first distribution will be issued in a second round.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.