In Indiana, menstrual products are included in state sales tax of seven percent. Menstrual products aren’t as accessible due to the tax since nearly 16 percent of women between the ages 18 through 64 who are below the poverty line in 2017, according to a Talk Poverty report.
This can be difficult when food stamps aren’t allowed to be used for menstrual product purchases.
The Beta Tau chapter of Omega Phi Beta organized their fifth biannual menstrual products drive from Sept. 10 to Sept. 14. They accept donations of individual menstrual products and financial donations for other commodities such as makeup and underwear. Proceeds go towards the Middle Way House, a local shelter for victims of domestic abuse, and the Shalom Community Center.
“I love this event,” treasurer Joselin Lucas said. "There’s a lot of people who stop by and say ‘Wow, I really appreciate you doing this.’”
Lucas has been in charge of the drive since the 2017 spring semester where the drive earned $465. Lucas had previously volunteered for the drive and had a strong interest in continuing it.
Lucas said students have taken photos of the drive's donations booths to help spread the word and share on Snapchat accounts and GroupMe messages. A student even used her leftover meal points to buy products for the drive to show her support for the drive.
At the end of the week, the chapter counts individual products, tampon or pad multi-packs and money from the week to see how much they’re worth then deliver the proceeds.
Lucas plans to branch out by giving donations from the drive globally in the near future. Venezuela has specifically caught her interests due to the inflated prices in sanitary products there.
“It is an important cause and people should come together to support,” Lucas said. “It's an experience and beneficial for all. I hope I somewhat impacted others.”
The sorority will have the drive again next semester, although the dates are not set.
