FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Studies expose gaps in access to period products, diapers and hygiene basics, calling for community and legislative action
DENVER (February 20, 2025) — Justice Necessary, a Colorado-based nonprofit, is pleased to publicly release two pivotal studies conducted in 2024 that expose the challenges Coloradans face in accessing essential hygiene products. The studies reveal the prevalence and impact of period poverty, diaper need and hygiene poverty across the state, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, resource accessibility and policy support.
“These studies highlight the tough choices many Coloradans have to make — deciding between food, diapers, period products and basic hygiene essentials,” said Diane Cushman Neal, Founder & President of Justice Necessary. “The data drives the work we do across all 64 counties of Colorado, underscoring the urgent need for these fundamental necessities. Justice Necessary is committed to advocating for increased awareness, expanding resources and creating partnerships to change lives because access to hygiene just is necessary!”
The Colorado 2024 Study on Women’s Period Poverty, Diaper Need, and Hygiene Poverty surveyed Colorado women to understand the barriers to accessing period products, diapers, and other hygiene essentials that are not covered by SNAP and WIC. The study shows that 53% of women experience period poverty, with many resorting to substitute products or extending the use of products beyond recommended times, which is a 10% increase from the Colorado 2022 Study on Women’s Period Poverty, Diaper Need, and Hygiene Poverty. Additionally, 68% of parents with children in diapers report facing diaper need, a 19% increase from 2022, while the study also revealed 66% of women with children struggle to afford basic hygiene essentials. These challenges have significant emotional and physical impacts, including feelings of shame and frustration, missed work or school and reduced confidence in parenting abilities.
The Colorado 2024 Study on Hygiene Poverty was conducted with responses from participants representing all five regions of the state, reflecting Colorado’s socioeconomic breakdown as defined by the U.S. Census. It examined the prevalence and impact of hygiene poverty and found that nearly half (46%) of respondents experience hygiene poverty and 36% struggle with both food and hygiene poverty. The report underscores the harsh trade-offs families face, with two-thirds prioritizing food over hygiene products and many substituting essential items to meet basic needs. Hygiene poverty’s effects extend beyond physical health, as it creates emotional distress and hinders professional opportunities. One-third of Coloradans report missing or feeling distracted at work due to a lack of hygiene products, and 40% struggle to get a job because of inadequate access to items like deodorant and shampoo.
To help address these challenges, Justice Necessary created Find Your Pantry, a tool that connects individuals with nearby organizations offering essential hygiene products — including period supplies, diapers, toiletries, and cleaning items — by simply entering their zip code. When it launches this spring, Find Your Pantry will serve as a resource hub, helping individuals locate hygiene essentials while allowing donors and volunteers to connect with local agencies in need of products, financial support, or assistance. The website is part of Justice Necessary’s commitment to ensuring access to vital resources for all Coloradans.
Justice Necessary is also proud to launch a new Menstrual Grant Program to support Colorado schools in providing essential menstrual products to eligible school communities. This one-time grant supplies recipients with pads, tampons, and dispensers for use during the summer of 2025 and the 2025–2026 school year. Designed to supplement the Colorado HB24-1164 “Free Menstrual Products to Students” initiative, the grant helps schools meet legislative requirements while ensuring no student misses out on learning due to lack of access to menstrual products. Applications are now open to Colorado schools on the Justice Necessary website.
Lastly, Justice Necessary is excited to host PeriodPalooza, a statewide initiative featuring two days of community action on May 23 and 24, 2025, at the Sheraton Denver Tech Center. Community volunteers will come together to pack and distribute a record-breaking 1 million period products to students in need across Colorado. This event will be the culmination of a historic statewide series of packing parties. Justice Necessary will be seeking community support and volunteers to make these statewide events a success.
Community members who are interested in learning more about the studies or other ways to get involved with Justice Necessary can visit https://justicenecessary.org/ for more information.
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ABOUT JUSTICE NECESSARY
Founded in 2021 by Diane Cushman Neal, Justice Necessary is a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to combating period poverty and hygiene poverty in Colorado communities. Justice Necessary works throughout Colorado to deliver essential hygiene products to address immediate needs, while also focusing on community engagement, continuity of products, education, and legislative support. Since its inception, Justice Necessary has provided more than 5,170,000 organic period products and more than 275,000 eco-friendly diapers and wipes, as well as over 325,000 other personal and household hygiene products. Learn more at justicenecessary.org.
