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Coastal Georgia nonprofit gets federal money to expand access to free diapers

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By: Destini Ambus

The only diaper bank in Coastal Georgia is receiving new resources to expand access for families in the area.

Over the Moon Diaper Bank, which provides diapers as well as period and incontinence products free of charge to those in need, is receiving $381,000 through this year’s bipartisan government funding package, according to a press release from U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff.

“I’ve appropriated funds to expand diaper bank services in Coastal Georgia so families can access diapers and other supplies essential for infants,” Ossoff said in the release. “I thank Katie Griffith, founder and executive director of Over the Moon Diaper Bank, for bringing this proposal to my office and for her leadership in the community.”

The diaper bank, started in 2019 by Griffith, and was given space at Port City Logistics in March 2023 to store thousands of diapers, pads, tampons, wipes and more, all of which they receive through donations. They serve those in-need, from Beaufort to Brunswick, year-round.

According to Over the Moon, 47% of U.S. families with small children experience diaper need, while 74% of families receiving diapers in Georgia are working and still unable to afford a constant supply of diapers.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous funding and the impact this important work will have in our coastal communities,” Griffith said in the release.

How you can donate or access Over The Moon’s free diapers, period products

Over the Moon has donations bins set up in various locations, and encourages groups to host diaper drives for the organization to help build their product supply. They also accept financial donations through their website.

They stock them with partner organizations or have distribution events with local libraries, churches and community partners.

Here are the current community partners listed on the website:

Read the original article on Savannah Now.

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Over the Moon Diaper Bank seeks to decrease period poverty and diaper need

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Destini Ambus | Savannah Morning News

Katie Griffith, the founder and executive director of Over the Moon Diaper Bank said that what they do at the non-profit is something that’s very tangible and can make effective change very quickly.

The organization provides diapers, period and incontinence products free of charge to those in need. Think about how a food bank functions − that’s exactly how this diaper, period, hygiene bank functions.

The organization, which started in 2019, and is the only one in the Coastal Georgia area has now grown to the point where a warehouse is necessary. They obtained space at Port City Logistics to store the thousands of diapers, pads, tampons, wipes and more that they receive through donations. The bank serves those in need, year-round from Beaufort to Brunswick.

Earlier this year, a bill made its way through the Georgia state Legislature to exempt certain absorbent diapers, undergarments and pads from sales and use taxes. Diapers and period products are taxed at a minimum of 4%, the statewide tax rate, but can reach 9% in certain parts of the state. In Savannah, the sales tax is 7%, a combination of the state, city and sales tax rate.

The bill did not advance out of the committee this year, but is still alive for January 2024 when the Legislature reconvenes. In the meantime, 47% of families with small children still experience diaper need – that’s one in two families. Two in five people struggle to purchase period supplies due to lack of income, according to Over the Moon website otmdiaperbank.org.

The vision for Over the Moon is simple: To improve the health, ease of life, and dignity of coastal neighbors because we believe everyone deserves to be clean, healthy, happy, safe and dry.

“These are problems that are solvable by laypeople,” Griffith said. “You know, you don’t have to be a healthcare professional to figure this out, but you know get some volunteers, fundraise some, connect with other people, and it just has this ripple effect. Anybody can do something.”

Griffith said that Over the Moon is something that had been building since 2017, when she and her family began donating to the Texas diaper bank after Hurricane Harvey hit Houston.

As she started learning more about diaper need, she realized it was something that people needed on a daily basis, not just during natural disasters. She began looking for something similar in the area, and the closest one was hours away – the only other banks in Georgia are the Diaper Bank of North Georgia in Gainesville and the Athens Area Diaper Bank in Athens.

After reaching out to the National Diaper Bank Network and different organizations in the Savannah area she began to slowly build Over the Moon, with the help of a lot of volunteers, who still volunteer their time to hep today.

“It’s very grassroots, but we wanted to work with organizations that already had systems in place that could easily and quickly get items out to people who need them, who already had those relationships built in,” Griffith said.

That’s the model – they have donation bins set up in various locations, volunteers pick up the products in the bins and bundle them based on size (of diapers), and then they stock them with partner organizations or have distribution events with local libraries, churches and community partners.

One of those partners is Live Oak Public Libraries. Savanna Waddle, the regional social services coordinator with the library system said that banks like Over the Moon are vital in expanding access to families.

“Diapers and period products are basic necessities, yet the price of these items is prohibitive for some folks,” Waddle said. “Over the Moon has brought the service to them.”

According to the National Diaper Bank Network, children require at least 50 diaper changes per week, or 200 diaper changes a month. Over the Moon gives away 50 diapers to each family at distribution.

“Most people they’re missing 50 diapers at the end of every month, so that’s what we provide,” Griffith said. “We try to time most of our giveaways at the second half of the month, when people need the help the most so they can get through to their next pay period.”

Russell Lewis, a single father living in Savannah, said the bank has definitely saved him financially. He said he’s a proud single dad raising a 2, 3 and 4-year-old.

“I’m doing my best and we all fall short sometimes,” Lewis said. “I just feel like the organization helps a lot of single parents, and saves a lot of headaches because kids can’t wait on diapers. they have to have it.”

The organization began distributing period products too immediately when they started. Period poverty is the lack of having access to sanitary products due to financial constrains or negative stigmas associated with menstruation.

“Period poverty lasts so long, and you know, half of the population menstruates for a large chunk of their lives,” Griffith said. “As soon as I learned about diaper need, you realize that a chunk of the population who’s dealing with that is also facing period poverty, because they’ll forego purchasing items or getting items for themselves because their baby needs diapers.”

Over the Moon recently held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate their new warehouse at Port City Logistics. Griffith said that she is grateful for the help Port City has provided them.

“I mean, it takes everybody really and that’s what’s also so great about this. It’s not about one person or one, you know, one group, this is a community effort,” Griffith said. “And this has benefited our entire community.”

 

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Junior Leagues of Georgia SPAC at the Capitol

Junior Leagues of Georgia SPAC members
Junior Leagues of Georgia SPAC members

Member organization, Junior League of Georgia State Public Affairs Committee (Georgia SPAC), held their day at the Capitol on Wednesday, February 23rd.

Adele Stewart and Dominique Holloman (Georgia STOMP Board members) were present to update the group on Georgia STOMP priorities.

The fortuitous timing of the Capitol Day meant those attending were present when Claire Cox, Georgia STOMP Chair, spoke to both House Appropriation Subcommittees!

SPAC members wore their HB810 buttons and advocated for passage of the bill to eliminate sales tax on menstrual products while under the Gold Dome!

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Stella Kwon Honored With Youth Champion Award

We are celebrating Stella Kwon, Georgia STOMP coalition member and president of La Lune, as she was selected for the Youth Champion Award in Education by PERIOD! She interviewed Claire Cox as a leader in the menstrual equity movement as part of her honorarium. “Some of the most pressing issues are the ones that we don’t see or don’t acknowledge,” Stella said. To learn more about Stella and the work she is doing in the menstrual equity space, visit http://www.lalunenonprofit.org.

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Project Red Brings Period Products to UGA

Period Product dispensers placed in two all-gender restrooms

Period Product dispensers placed in two all-gender restrooms

“Several months ago, I was only making $600/month and had to choose between eating and menstrual products more than once…UGA providing free menstrual products would ensure the silently impoverished students are more easily able to reach their full academic potential.”

 

When you think of the tools students need to succeed in school, you might name things like a computer, notebooks, or access to study space. Most people don’t immediately consider access to period products a factor, but according to a survey conducted among UGA students, insufficient access to period products can be detrimental to a student’s education.

This survey, conducted from June-August 2020, was the first step in the formation of Project Red, an initiative to install menstrual product dispensers on UGA’s campus. Started as an offshoot of Period Project at UGA’s advocacy branch, “Project Red” became the branded name for a pilot program that provides free, biodegradable menstrual products in select all-gender UGA restrooms.

To gain a deeper understanding of the menstrual needs at UGA and in the surrounding Athens-Clarke County area, the Project Red team conducted a community needs assessment consisting of ten interviews with community members, distributed two surveys to UGA students, faculty, and staff, and assessed Project Red Instagram analytics.

Many survey respondents reported difficulties in obtaining period products and how these difficulties have affected their education. One student reported,

“I have very inconsistent and heavy periods, so oftentimes I find myself without the proper supplies when I find I need them…it is usually quite difficult to find an affordable product in times of need during or in between classes.”

Other students emphasized needs related to reproductive health that affect their menstrual cycles. For example, another student mentioned health concerns that contributed to elevated costs related to period products,

“…I dealt with quite a few menstrual issues stemming from comorbid [endometriosis] & PCOS – one time bleeding for 80 straight days…I was uninsured…Even cheap alternatives are expensive to students…”

The survey also collected responses related to everyday inconveniences that affect students’ ability to focus on their academic work,

“One time I was in class and started my period…I bled completely through my white leggings that day. My only saving grace to get me through my next classes was some wadded-up toilet paper and a friend’s jacket that I tied around my waist.”

Once the Project Red team gathered this survey data, they developed a report to pitch to UGA’s auxiliary services team to garner support for a pilot program installing period dispensers in two all-gender restrooms with funding from a $4,000 grant provided by the Office of Sustainability.

The team is working with UGA staff to expand and sustain the program, with hopes that it will be absorbed into the budget, so it is no longer reliant on grant money.

Project Red is currently creating a toolkit for other college groups looking to implement a similar program on their campus.

The Project Red team from left to right: Jaaie Varshney, Mahathi Mula, Suvitha Viswanathan, Ashley Boyle, and Maeve Breathnach
The Project Red team from left to right: Jaaie Varshney, Mahathi Mula, Suvitha Viswanathan, Ashley Boyle, and Maeve Breathnach
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Georgia STOMP Partners Rock!

It isn’t news to any of us that the pandemic has resulted in lost or reduced wages for many Georgians. The Georgia STOMP coalition is aware of  food and housing insecurities many are experiencing, and that concern extends to the increase in period poverty amongst menstruators. 

Necessary public health safety measures, like limitations on size and ability to gather, have forced sudden operational changes onto non-profits and agencies working in our communities. In light of this, we reached out to Georgia STOMP Coalition partners seeking updates on how collection and distribution of period products is occurring in the time of COVID-19. 

Be inspired by their work and their ability to “pivot” in their mission and modes of operating!

POSH PACK

“The biggest challenge of Covid-19 for Posh Pack Inc. has been adapting in a pandemic to continue to serve our communities, but through a different lens. With the shutdown of schools, it no longer served our target population to provide donations to schools without students present. We really had to rethink how to fulfill our mission and do it in a way that was safe in a pandemic. After speaking with a number of organizations, it was apparent that menstrual items were needed more than ever. We discovered many parents were already going to food pantries to receive food donations. It made sense to connect the two and have parents be able to receive food and feminine hygiene items at the same time. 

As a result, Posh Pack, Inc. has developed a programming focus to make sure young women and girls have access to feminine hygiene during the pandemic. Posh Pack, Inc. spent February through July, giving feminine hygiene essentials to different organizations that are directly connected to women and girls who need these items most. Since February, as a result of donations, we have been able to give 5000 pads to organizations to include food pantries, homeless shelters, and civic organizations focused solely on period poverty. With continued support from donors, we hope to donate over 10,000 pads by the end of the year.” — Dr. Elesia Glover

PERIOD ATLANTA.

“PERIOD Atlanta is working harder than ever to meet the needs of menstruators in Greater Atlanta. This past summer, we donated more than 6,000 menstrual products to various organizations, including the Clarkston Community Health Center and Women’s Refugee Network. Despite the geographic distribution of our officers and members throughout the metropolitan area, PERIOD Atlanta hopes to use the new virtual opportunities that the pandemic has opened up for us and start working in the advocacy arm of our work in the fall.” – Sophie Lee

HOMELESS PERIOD PROJECT OF ATLANTA

The Homeless Period Project of Atlanta has completely shifted our way of doing things. 

Instead of the excitement of period packing parties, we’re now asking for products either by purchasing off our Amazon Wish List or just buying and mailing to us.

The four board members divide and conquer by packing at home and delivering to our community partners. The need is still there and we are working HARD to fulfill.

Please visit our Instagram page (@homelessperiodprojectofatlanta) for updates and information.  Our wishlist link is in our bio. One box of pads helps. It’s that simple. Please email us if you want to get involved. atlanta@homelessperiodproject.org — Torrey, Brittany, Rilla and Jennifer

LA LUNE

“Currently, La Lune has donated 559 care packages (5,964 menstrual products) and we are working on delivering at least 200 more before the end of the month. As the global pandemic has disproportionately affected marginalized communities, we have been donating to those in great need in Atlanta, Georgia; Bronx, NY; and Houston, Texas. In Atlanta, we have donated to City of Refuge Atlanta and Covenant House Georgia. We are continuing donations to refugee centers, detention centers, and any community centers that request such donations. 

We have also partnered with re-entry intervention programs such as the Gwinnett Re-entry Intervention Program (working in Gwinnett County Jail). After touring the facilities and talking with Sergeant Baird from the GRIP program, we are beginning to establish a PenPal and Zoom interactive program with individuals (primarily women and all menstruators). The GRIP program works to aid in core issues such as drug addiction, mental health, and poverty and provides housing and case management upon release, access to mental health services, a primary care doctor, and job assistance. In addition to the discomfort around menstruation, there is a prevalent disconnect between those in the prison system and the rest of the community due to prejudice and stigma. To bridge this gap, we are interviewing and releasing the stories of consenting individuals with our photojournalist: Jade Hidalgo. We want to show the public that these are good people and connect them with the community with monthly Zoom calls to truly get to know these individuals and establish solid relationships. 

We are working with DivaCares and researchers from UGA and Emory to establish our first official educational program in Clarkston, Georgia. The classes will be held online and will work with 4th and 5th graders on the topic of menstruation. This education program will teach boys, girls, and all genders in an all-inclusive, discussion-based environment. We are working towards a future in which the stigma around menstruation is eliminated and all menstruators are well-equipped and educated on proper menstrual hygiene. However, it is important that all students learn about menstruation, before they, and their friends get their periods. We will also be providing menstrual products and hygiene essentials to our students and their families. — Stella Kwon

If we haven’t heard from you, send us your stories and how your organization has morphed and adapted during 2020!

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Spotlight on Period.UGA

Under the leadership of Chapter President, Jessica Ma, the PERIOD. group at the University of Georgia is thriving and bringing the message of menstrual equity to the campus in Athens.

On November 4th, following Period.UGA’s recent addition as a member, Georgia STOMP leadership updated a roomful of students on the coalition’s work. Questions following the presentation revealed just how informed and prepared to advocate Period.UGA is!

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Additionally, these vibrant young women are proving themselves as leaders in the movement to eradicate period poverty. Through on-campus collections and distribution locally to those experiencing homelessness, they work to find new ways to share the message of menstrual equity.

Period.UGA’s recent National Period Day event was brilliantly planned to take advantage of traffic on campus for the Georgia Bulldog’s homecoming game. Georgia STOMP is better due to the work, voice and energy of these coalition partners!

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ALWAYS names Macon Periods Easier a “Period Hero”

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In a celebratory press conference Thursday, Georgia STOMP coalition member, Macon Periods Easier announced “Macon is one of five cities nationwide – and the only one in Georgia – that will be receiving national help to address lack of menstrual supplies and fight period poverty. The work of Macon Periods Easier (MPE) has drawn the attention of Always, a global menstrual care brand, which is donating 35,000 feminine care pads to the organization that it calls one of the “Period Heroes” leading efforts to end period poverty for school-aged girls in their communities.”

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Macon Periods Easier now distributes products in every Bibb County public school, as well as to recreation centers and the local health department.

Nationally recognized Superintendent of Bibb County School District, Dr. Curtis Jones, was present to acknowledge the importance of this work and supplying menstrual products in school.

2019 National School Superintendent of the Year Dr. Curtis Jones
2019 National School Superintendent of the Year Dr. Curtis Jones

 

Speaking of his numerous years involved in public schools, including 10 years as a Superintendent, Jones said, “the best way for students to be successful is to be in school and one of my jobs is to get all the barriers out of the way.”  In speaking of Bibb County’s effort to increase its graduation rate to 90% by 2025, he continued, “this effort is one of the additional partnerships that we have that I think will make us be successful” and to the young women present in the audience at the press conference, he turned and said, “You don’t have to stay home. We have support for you.”

Congratulations to Macon Periods Easier for a highly successful year! Georgia STOMP is proud to work with coalition members who demonstrate menstrual products provided in schools DO make a difference in the ability for young women to learn and be valuable, productive members of their communities.

GCADV

Georgia STOMP’s Newest Coalition Member: GCADV

Georgia STOMP is thrilled to welcome the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) to our coalition! Their expertise in collaboration, advocacy, education and empowerment is a welcomed addition to the Georgia STOMP network. If you aren’t familiar with their organization, their website is linked here.

The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence envisions a Georgia free of domestic violence.  They empower survivors and the programs that serve them, educate the public, and advocate for responsive public policy.

Survivors of domestic violence aren’t simply survivors – they are community members. To only talk about survivors in terms of the domestic violence they’ve experienced ignores their wholeness and disregards the range of identities that they carry and navigate the world through; reality is so much bigger, brighter, and deeper. As the GCADV joins Georgia STOMP’s coalition, they bring an incredibly robust understanding of what challenges survivors face, and are helping to paint the picture of other ways Georgia can ensure survivors are able to thrive in our state. We are grateful to have them, and look forward to sharing successes with you as our ranks continue to grow!

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Georgia Junior League SPAC Capitol Day

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Guest Post by Gennie Long, Public Affairs Chair and SPAC Delegate for Junior League of Savannah,

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On February 7, 2018, the Junior Leagues of Georgia State Public Affairs Committee (“SPAC”) held their annual Capitol Day at the Georgia State Capitol.  Capitol Day for the Junior Leagues of Georgia SPAC included speakers, meetings with the legislators, and even a picture with the Governor.

One of the issues that sparked the most interest with SPAC representatives was HB 731 – Feminine Hygiene Sales Tax Exemption.  Adele Stewart, a member of the Junior League of Savannah, presented to SPAC the importance of why this tax exemption should be law and how it could impact the community.  Adele shared that menstrual products are classified as medical devices by the FDA and that medical devices in Georgia are excluded from sales taxes. As such, Georgia should include feminine products in the classification of medical devices and exempt such products from sales tax.  Adele also explained that feminine hygiene products are exempt from state sales tax in nine states and five states have no sales tax. As a community activist, Adele has personally made it her passion to educate and advocate on this issue and even testified before the Georgia House and Ways Committee the following week regarding HB-731. 

 

In addition, Rep. Debbie Buckner, D-Junction City, presented to SPAC representatives the history of the bill and the process she had gone through to sponsor the bill.  During lunch, the various SPAC representatives had the opportunity to speak with their legislators individually and many SPAC representatives shared their support for HB-731 – Feminine Hygiene Sales Tax Exemption.  

Junior League of Savannah Members and their Legislators
Junior League of Savannah Members and their Legislators
JLS Public Affairs Chair, Gennie Long, Rep. Jesse Petrea, Georgia STOMP Co-lead, Adele Stewart
JLS Public Affairs Chair, Gennie Long, Rep. Jesse Petrea, Georgia STOMP Co-lead, Adele Stewart