Aunt Flow announced Phlow Philly, a citywide initiative addressing period poverty through coordinated strategies: installing free-vend dispensers in public spaces and distributing 4,500 period kits through trusted community organizations. Period poverty is defined as a lack of access to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, waste management, or a combination of these, which can lead to physical, emotional and mental challenges that have both short- and long-term implications. The Phlow Philly program will reduce barriers to care, improve menstrual health education, and build access for underserved communities. Through a separate initiative, Aunt Flow is also partnering with the School District of Philadelphia to ensure student access to menstrual products through the installation of 136 free-vend dispensers in School District facilities.

“No one should miss school or work because they can’t access period products. By aligning public institutions with community partners, Phlow Philly makes care more accessible and tackles the stigma that fuels inequity,” says Dr. Aasta Mehta, director of the Health Department’s Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health. “This initiative is about health, dignity, and opportunity for everyone who menstruates.”

As part of an open, competitive $200,000 grant program initiated by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Aunt Flow is installing an additional 74 dispensers, which will serve 59 bathrooms across 34 libraries and recreation centers citywide (including mini-dispenser placements where appropriate). Dispensers will be stocked with high-quality, organic cotton pads and tampons for freely accessible, dignity-first care.

“We want to ensure everyone has access to essential amenities when they visit our recreation centers,” says AnneMarie Dunne, deputy commissioner of Programs, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “In the coming weeks, Parks & Rec will install 24 free-vend dispensers as part of our ongoing commitment to improving our facilities and providing community members with reliable resources.”

From September 22–28, Phlow Philly and local nonprofit partners will host five “Period Party” events across neighborhoods to distribute 4,500 free period kits, the equivalent of 90,000 organic-cotton pads, while sharing education and resources with community members. These events are open to the media and offer strong photo and interview opportunities highlighting local volunteers, students, and partners advancing menstrual equity.

“Toilet paper is offered for free in public bathrooms. Tampons and pads should be too,” says Claire Coder, founder and CEO of Aunt Flow. “Phlow Philly shows what’s possible when cities put people first: freely accessible period care, supportive schools and community-driven education. We call this people helping people. PERIOD.”