1 in 10 college students struggle to purchase period supplies due to lack of income(1). Students who struggle with period poverty report missing class (2) and report an impact on their mental health (1). The Red Basket Project at UW-Platteville (TRBP) aims to help those experiencing period poverty. TRBP (overseen by Pioneer Pantry, the student organization) provides free period products in womens and non-gendered restrooms of academic buildings across UW-Platteville campuses. Products that can be found in red baskets in times of need include pads, tampons, liners, and sometimes menstrual cups. Through generous corporate and department collaborations at UW-Platteville, TRBP has been fortunate to receive a substantial amount of products like pads and liners. Currently, menstrual products like tampons are classified as Class II medical devices, deterring product donations due to liability concerns. Finding large donation outlets for these products and avoiding gaps in keeping them stocked for students has been challenging. TRBP hopes to raise enough money to purchase tampons to supply red baskets for one year.

1. BMC Women's Health

2. State of the Period (Thinx, Inc. & PERIOD)