On August 24th, 2022 the Youngstown Local Office on Minority Health in conjunction with the Youngstown City Health District and support from Youngstown City Council opened a Women's Pantry. This pantry is located at 9 West Front Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44503, on the first-floor clinic at the Youngstown City Health District. The goal of this pantry is to offer those in need supplies that are otherwise not available to them. This pantry is funded through generous donations both monetary and through products for the pantry shelves.
Current regulations to the WIC program prohibit the purchasing of feminine hygiene products using WIC funds. Feminine hygiene products are not something that women can live without, and these restrictions are making it impossible for them to purchase needed supplies. The schools had been reaching out reporting girls having to miss a week of school once a month because they did not have these products. Hearing the concerns from residents that were in desperate need of access to feminine hygiene products, Youngstown City Council provided a donation to start the pantry.
The pantry holds a variety of products well beyond just feminine hygiene. Individuals in need can get toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, men and women' razors, lotion, combs/brushes, infant diapers, adult incontinence products and much more.
The response for this Pantry has been overwhelming. In the first month of being open we assisted 33 individuals. This number has grown exponentially, to date we have assisted 522 individuals through our Women's Pantry. We have individuals come from as far as Cleveland because they were desperate and could not get assistance with these products anywhere else. We do not turn any individuals away. Men and women in need of hygiene products or diapers can come to this pantry and we will help them in any way we are able. The Women's Pantry was recognized as a WYTV Hometown Hero in September of 2022.
For those who are interested in making a donation, scheduling an appointment, or are just looking for more information on the pantry can contact Golie Stennis, the Minority Health Director at 330-742-8294 or gstennis@youngstownohio.gov.
Credits: Photo and article submitted by Golie Stennis for the June issue of the Ward Word newsletter.
