# Understanding the Period PROUD Act

This bill would provide $200 million per year for four years (2024-2027) to help low-income people access menstrual products like pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and similar items. The money would flow through existing state social services programs to reach people who can't afford these products.

Here's how it would work in practice: States would receive federal funding and distribute it to nonprofits and local organizations that already have experience handing out basic necessities like diapers and food. These organizations would use the money to either give menstrual products away for free to low-income individuals, help people learn about existing programs that provide these products, or work to improve access in their communities. The bill also requires that organizations spend at least 91 percent of their funding on actual menstrual products and services—no more than 9 percent can go toward administrative costs.

The bill recognizes that lack of access to menstrual products can affect people's health, school attendance, and work. By making these products available through existing community networks, it aims to reduce what's called "period poverty." The money can also be combined with other assistance programs like food stamps or health insurance programs to create a more comprehensive support system. Importantly, receiving menstrual products through this program won't count against someone's eligibility for other government benefits they might be receiving.

The federal government would also evaluate how well the program works by 2030, studying whether it actually improves health outcomes and reduces unmet needs. Additionally, the bill asks the Department of Health and Human Services to work with schools to develop best practices for how educators should talk with students about menstruation.

Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2022

Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2022 This bill provides additional funding through FY2027 for the Social Services Block Grant to support the provision of menstrual products (e.g., menstrual cups and underwear, sanitary napkins, and tampons) to low-income individuals. (This grant is a flexible funding stream used by states and territories to support a wide range of social services.) The bill also exempts the additional funds from sequestration. Sequestration is a process of automatic, across-the-board reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.