District of Kent to stock certain civic facilities with free menstrual products

AGASSIZ — The District of Kent says it will launch a pilot program featuring free menstrual products at certain civic facilities in response to a request from Project AIM and Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon.

The municipality made the announcement Wednesday (Dec. 20), saying it was excited to launch the free menstrual products pilot program in select facilities. After the request from Paddon and Project AIM to have district facilities stocked with menstrual products, district staff have been working to determine which facilities will have priority and select partner vendors for the pilot program.

The first facilities to offer free menstrual products are the Agassiz Library (7140 Cheam Avenue) and the Community Recreation and Cultural Centre (6660 Pioneer Avenue). The pilot program was approved on a one-year basis by council. Staff will report back as to the results.

District of Kent Mayor Sylvia Pranger said, “This is a big step towards ensuring that everyone in our community has barrier-free access to some of their basic necessities. Programs like this are especially important when the economy is struggling, and people are finding themselves in financial difficulty. By offering free menstrual products, we hope to reduce the stress and embarrassment of those who are in a position in having to decide between paying bills or maintaining basic human dignity.”