‘Take what you need, leave what you can’; Second period pantry opens in Vancouver
Posted June 15, 2022 9:32 pm.
Last Updated June 15, 2022 10:02 pm.
A second period pantry has been built in Vancouver to provide free menstrual products progressing the founder’s intention to address menstrual equity.
You can find the bright purple and orange pantry beside Dude Chilling Park’s community garden. Thanks to overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community, founder of the project, Kelly Chessman, says people who donate ensure more people have access to supplies.
“Part of the beauty is we really want it to be a non-judgmental space, a space where people can come and grab, leave if they want, but a space for anyone who menstruates to access it without any judgment or any policing,” she told CityNews.
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Chessman explains the pantry intends to help mitigate the stigma surrounding accessing period products, especially with the rising costs and inflation.
Because of a suggestion from three local students, the pantry was set up at a location where an affluent community visits the park in a neighbourhood that may not be as wealthy.
“That intersection would be beneficial for people coming by to see that exists and be like, ‘Okay, I can go, when I’m grocery shopping, buy some stuff.’ And then for folks who need it, they can then access it at the pantry,” Chessman said.
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The first pantry was set up near East 6th in between Commercial and Victoria drive early last year.
Chessman says when the project started, she was nervous about the community reaction and didn’t know how long it would last. However, she was happy to find much positive reinforcement, which has become a community task.
“[It] really challenges the mindset that we all need to take care of one another well, while our systems don’t necessarily take care of us in society. So it’s on us to take care of one another. And part of that is ensuring everyone has access to the things they need.”
Chessman is encouraging other communities to take action and pantries in their neighbourhood.
