A Call for Action...Create a Self-Care Pantry at Your School!
Regular access to essential necessities like deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and menstrual supplies is a challenge for many of our youth in Windsor-Essex County.
In Canada, 1 in 4 menstruating individuals have had to choose between paying for period products or other basics such as food. Aside from the high cost for hygiene products, youth also feel that stigma around periods and hygiene remain. Many hide their period products while at school or work and have been socially shamed for having it. Youth also face a lack of education and information about available community resources.
By providing free hygiene products and education at school through a self-care pantry, students will have the support and ability to attend school regularly, decrease absenteeism, increase academic performance, and improve school inclusivity.
For any additional support, contact the Healthy Schools Hotline at 519-258-2146 ext. 1555 or email csh@wechu.org.
School-wide ideas:
If you already have a self-care pantry/closet, congratulations! Consider these tips:
- Who is responsible for it? Are students involved in the support, stocking, or distribution of the supplies? How can students get involved?
- Inventory supplies at the start of the school year and in January: See what is taken the most.
- Survey students: See who is accessing the supplies (gender, juniors/seniors) and what is taken or needed the most (e.g. do students request/need deodorant or menstrual products?)
- Consider the location: Is it accessible for all genders throughout the school day or only during lunch? Could it be moved to a place where there are food or clothing supplies?
- Add additional supports: Include pamphlets for youth community groups or agencies such as the Youth Wellness Hub that have additional resources and supplies.
- Promote it: Use social media and announcements.
- Plan for sustainability: Think about ways to supply and re-stock the resources. Approach the school student council, administration/staff, or parent council for support with organization, supplying, or fundraising for new and continued supplies. Hold school fundraising events or contests such as Tampon Tuesday or contact local community organizations such as the Windsor United Way or Windsor Goodfellows.
If you are interested in creating a NEW self-care pantry/closet at your school:
- Identify a school lead/champion: Consider creating a wellness committee or a group of school staff champions and interested students who will be responsible for maintaining it.
- Plan where it will be located: Ensure it is accessible for all genders throughout the school day. Consider adding to a place where there are currently food or clothing supplies.
- Survey students to see what supplies are needed most: For example - do students request/need deodorant or menstrual products?
- Add additional supports: Include pamphlets for youth community groups or agencies such as the Youth Wellness Hub that have additional resources and supplies.
- Promote it: Use social media and announcements.
- Plan for sustainability: Think about ways to supply and re-stock the resources. Approach the school student council, administration/staff, or parent council for support with organization, supplying, or fundraising for new and continued supplies. Hold school fundraising events or contests such as Tampon Tuesday or contact local community organizations such as the Windsor United Way or Windsor Goodfellows.
- Contact your school health nurse for assistance: If unsure how to reach them, contact the Healthy Schools Hotline at 519-258-2146 ext. 1555 or email csh@wechu.org