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More than 20% of those assigned female at birth in the U.S. suffer from period poverty, lacking the financial resources to purchase basic feminine hygiene necessities. In urban areas, the number is higher.
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This inability creates barriers to education, employment, and social and religious connections. Feeling shame, some girls stay home from school during their periods, impacting learning, while women miss work, often losing a few days’ wages and further compounding the cycle of poverty.
- Government benefits such as SNAP and WIC do not cover these necessities, which are rarely donated to food pantries for distribution.












Upcoming Events
Click here if you would like sign up to receive email notifications of upcoming Women’s Philanthropy Dignity Grows events and other news–check off the Women’s Philanthropy category.

Questions about this event? Contact Lisa Katz, Co-Chair of Women’s Philanthropy, 413-531-0567

Questions about this event? Contact Henny Lewin, Co-Chair of Women’s Philanthropy, 413-237-7315
To learn more about our Dignity Grows events and how to host a packing party contact Bobby Naimark at 413-737-4313
Make a difference TODAY!
Each month, Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy mobilizes volunteers and distribution partners in Western Mass. to organize, assemble, and distribute free of charge, reusable, branded zipper-top Dignity Grows Totes filled with a month’s supply of personal and menstrual hygiene products. Each bag costs $10 and is funded by the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts and private donations by supporters like you.
A reusable, branded zipper-top Dignity Grows Tote is filled with a month’s supply of:
- Sanitary pads and panty liners
- Shampoo and soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Handwipes
With your support to our Dignity Grows program, you can help safeguard the dignity of a neighbor in need and allow them to participate fully in community life.

- Host a packing party – it’s the perfect activity for a book club, sisterhood event, brotherhood event, birthday party, service club or mitzvah project, etc. Use your imagination!
- Donate to cover the cost of a bag (or more!)
- Volunteer to pack at a Federation or Partner packing party