Written by Stacie Hazlett-Rothe, Communications & Outreach Specialist with the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region

In a powerful demonstration of community-driven change, The Monthlies Project has officially distributed 1 million period products across Northeast Wisconsin — a milestone made possible by the collective commitment of volunteers, schools, collaborative partners, and supporters working together to address period poverty.

The Monthlies Project does not fall under any one organization’s umbrella — it is a shared, community-led initiative powered by individuals and businesses who have a passion to address period poverty. At the heart of this collaboration, the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region serves as the fund holder for The Monthlies Project, stewarding donations that allows grants to be made for period products to be purchased at cost and distributed to those in need.

“When this initiative was coming together three years ago, I knew the Women’s Fund had to be involved,” said Julie Keller, founding partner and executive director of the Women’s Fund. “We took the lead on managing donations and making grants, while others stepped up to handle marketing, procurement, transportation, logistics and so much more. It’s been a true collaboration from the start.”

What began in 2021 as a small volunteer effort has grown into a regional movement for menstrual equity, working in direct partnership with schools and youth-serving organizations to provide free period supplies, educate communities, and advocate for systemic change.

“This milestone isn’t just about the number,” said Liz Wollenberg, co-founder of The Monthlies Project and chief systems and strategy officer at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. “It’s about the thousands of students who didn’t have to leave school, who didn’t have to feel ashamed, and who knew their community cared. This is what grassroots change looks like — local, urgent, and deeply human.”

While Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin serves as the logistics partner — managing procurement, storage, and distribution — and the Women’s Fund manages the charitable donations, The Monthlies Project belongs to the community. Local organizations, donors, and businesses have provided grant support to help make products accessible to thousands of menstruators in Northeast Wisconsin.

Impact by the Numbers:

• 1,000,000+ period products distributed
• 165 school and nonprofit partners enrolled
• 0 paid staff — 100% volunteer-powered
• Thousands of students supported

The work doesn’t stop here. The Monthlies Project is also part of a growing advocacy movement to push for menstrual equity policy — collaborating with schools, state leaders, and national organizations like Period Law to ensure period products are recognized as basic educational and health necessities.

“Period products should be as available as toilet paper in every school bathroom,” said Laurel Golson, a senior at Kimberly High School and youth advisor to The Monthlies Project. “This isn’t just a health issue. It’s about dignity, access, and equal opportunity.”

Summer Distribution for Students

Ahead of summer break, The Monthlies Project distributed 2,000 summer kits to 48 schools and organizations across 11 districts. Each kit includes liners, pads, tampons, and a note of encouragement — reminders that no one is alone and that care continues even when school is out.

These kits fill a critical gap: during the academic year, schools supported by The Monthlies Project often provide access to free period products, but that support disappears during summer. The kits help ensure school-aged menstruators can participate fully in summer activities — from camps to jobs — without interruption or embarrassment.

A National Issue, A Local Response

Period poverty affects 1 in 5 students in the U.S. The Monthlies Project’s 1 million product milestone is about more than product distribution — it’s about dignity, visibility, and change.

Join the movement. End the stigma. Keep kids in school. Learn more, get involved, or donate at www.themonthliesproject.org.