Sarah McClure and Logan Johnson, two Rowan University alumni, have found a way to address period poverty. McClure is a class of 2022 alum who understood the adversities women face in buying period products each month. She and co-founder Johnson created a non-profit organization called Flow Forward New Jersey (FFNJ). Flow Forward started as Project Period in January of 2022, which later evolved into Flow Forward. With the help of the SGA club senators, they volunteered to work with companies to gather donations for reusable products. 

“I started Flow Forward NJ so women and girls like me will know they’re not alone. So that all people, regardless of income, will be able to address their menstrual health with dignity and confidence,” said McClure. 

McClure, the executive director, is the person who organizes the volunteer efforts, plans events, and makes sure that the organization reaches its goal with donations. In collaboration with Rowan, the organization contacts volunteers and organizes service events and drives. 

“I am dedicated to service and providing people with essential supplies to meet their basic needs. I also believe that the freedom to bleed is a human right,” said McClure.

Flow Forward NJ gives women a safe space when in need of these products. Inflation has created poverty for basic essential needs for women across the board. Women have to buy menstrual products from the age of 12 to 52, approximately. Inflation has impacted the average prices for pads and tampons. The price rose to almost 10%, plus the taxation of the products, which is claimed as unfair. The average cost of menstrual products is about 20 dollars per cycle. In the U.S., women are spending about 200 dollars to 300 dollars per year. 

According to NorthJersey.com, “nationally, the prices rose by an average of 2.4% over the last 12 months, right around the Federal Reserve’s target. According to new numbers from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, inflation in the Northeast region meant prices are 3.4% higher than this time last year, on average.”

Many charities and organizations help women who suffer from buying these essential needs. One organization that works in New Jersey is I Support The Girls, which distributes essential items to women who are experiencing homelessness or impoverishment. They are affiliated with the Central/South New Jersey area. 

According to a study published by SWNS Digital, “results revealed the average woman surveyed spends $13.25 a month on menstrual products ‒ that’s $6,360 in an average woman’s reproductive lifetime (ages 12-52).”

The Vice-Chair of Flow Forward’s Board of Trustees, Miranda Toner, believes that period poverty is a burden to college students. The organization providing free products around campus helps solve the financial burden that Rowan students and faculty may face with the price of menstrual products. 

In the university, there are now machines in front of the women’s bathrooms that offer free menstrual products if needed. These machines have been put in the student center, campus academic buildings, the fitness center, and the recreation center. 

“I have noticed the free menstrual products and every time I see them I’ve been grateful because I never know when I am going to get mine, so I’m thankful that they are there,” said Rowan student Alexis Schlagle.

The founders of Flow Forward NJ wanted this organization to help women who are struggling and give them access to these products for free. 

According to the U.S News and World Report, “But even before the pandemic and inflation began to hit period product consumers, essential feminine products like pads, tampons, and even women’s razors tend to be an additional cost for women due to the pink tax, a price hike for products marketed toward women.”

“I pay too much money, I think an individual packet of mine is like 10 dollars and I normally buy three at a time and that lasts me two or three months,” said Rowan student, Alaina Rieman. 

Flow Forward NJ is there to help women who are empowered to talk about their period experience and the prices rising. It is a safe place where women should feel comfortable having their voices heard and not feel afraid to fight for what is right. 

“Stigma can make it difficult to talk about menstruation, even though it impacts a menstruator’s health, well-being, and academic performance.  By fostering menstruation conversations on campus, Flow Forward NJ helps Rowan University tackle this stigma,” said Toner.

Flow Forward gathers donations through the mail and accepts donation drives. They welcome volunteers through Flow Forward NJ to help stop period poverty not only in New Jersey but across the country. 

Now, there are over 30 volunteers, including directors and the board of trustees. Flow Forward NJ now has multiple Rowan students who are active members of the organization. 

“We are a community who is not afraid to stare harmful stigma in the face and do our best to dismantle them. I hope that one day, all bathrooms across the state, and across the country eventually, will offer accessible free products to those who menstruate,” said McClure.

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