What started as an extension of the Garrard County Food Bank has grown into Kentucky’s leading defense against period poverty: the lack of access to products, resources, and educational materials which ensure a safe and comfortable menstrual cycle. 

Skylar Davis is the founder of Period Y’all, a nonprofit initiative advocating for reproductive justice and accessible period products for all Kentuckians. Founded in 2022, Period Y’all has established period pantries – boxes stocked with period products free for the public – in three counties, donated products to over a hundred schools in the Appalachian region, and educated countless members of the community about the importance of reproductive autonomy. 

Previously, Davis poured her passion for advocacy and reproductive justice into policy work, hoping to combat bills threatening reproductive rights. She found herself disheartened by the constant negativity and decided to search for a way to “bring some joy.”

“I really wanted to do something that was meaningful,” Davis said. “To be able to fight for something more positive. Even if it takes years to pass.”

Inspired by Change Today, Change Tomorrow’s “Friday Period” project, which encouraged members of the community to claim free period supplies every Friday, Davis returned to her hometown in Garrard County to establish Period Y’all.

“The first time, I came with one folding table and probably 40 boxes of pads and tampons that people had donated,” Davis said. “And then it grew once I realized how great the need was. It wasn’t just period products, but hygiene products and incontinence products for the elderly.”

Now, with period pantries in Paducah, Berea, and Garrard, dozens of communities can access products, information, and assistance to help manage their menstrual cycles.

“It’s cool to see the variety of people that are thankful for the products,” Davis said. “It’s not just women in the community. It’s grandmothers who are caring for their grandchildren; maybe they’re on a fixed income, so they don’t have the extra money for the products. It’s mothers. It’s teens that come through and ask us for stuff. Men will ask for their partners and know what their partners use.”

McKenna Newman, a Period Y’all volunteer and fellow Garrard County native, teamed up with Davis to “help bring menstrual equality to anyone in need.”

“Growing up in Garrard County, many girls, including myself, had to get creative managing our periods,” Newman said. “Whether it be financially or the mental and physical burden we all had dealing with it. It is a shame rooted in women and no one should be embarrassed of this natural process.”

Following its success in Garrard County, over 30 requests for pantries arose across the Commonwealth. Davis plans to open 13 additional period pantries in locations such as Richmond, Somerset, Morehead, Hazard, Louisville, and more.

“When Period Y’all first started, we were doing monthly pop-ups… The products we had, we were able to source through donations, cold calling, and advertising on social media,” Newman said. “All it took was one Facebook post, and now, here we are, four years later, providing hygiene products to schools across Kentucky.”

Recalling her experience with policy work, Davis hopes to empower students to make informed choices about their bodies, health, and their administration.

“Within the next few years, I’m really hoping to get more students involved in shaping the education side of the work,” Davis said. “They’re the ones that are experiencing this in school. They don’t have access to products because it’s not in their school’s budget.”

Since the implementation of Senate Bill 150, schools have restricted students from discussions surrounding gender and sexuality – something that affects all students, regardless of identity. Students experiencing their period in school are only allowed to receive certain pre-approved products, while their teachers have been warned to avoid explaining what periods are.

“People don’t realize the correlation between attacks on trans people and LGBTQ people and those who have periods,” Davis said. “These attacks hurt all of us, not just a marginalized group of people. We can fight back against all of this harmful legislation.”

To join Period Y’all’s crusade against period poverty, Davis and Newman encourage volunteers to participate in “packing parties” – where packages of free pads and tampons are assembled – or to host a product drive. 

“If you ever wanted to get involved with reproductive advocacy… Create a conversation. Make a post. Start a group. Connect with other people,” Newman said. “Your voice is your best tool. Be loud, be proud, and don’t be ashamed! Societal shame around periods is one of the many reasons we have a crisis surrounding women’s health.”

Interested in establishing a Period Pantry in your city, hosting a product drive, or donating menstrual products to support underserved Kentuckians? Contact Skylar Davis to support Period Y’all!