Binford House brings first free period pantry to Marshalltown

A Binford House at-will donation meal Wednesday helped raise funds and products for the new type of free pantry in Marshalltown – a period pantry dedicated to providing women with menstrual products.

The pink-painted pantry, named "Penelope," was installed outside of the Binford House two weeks ago. The women who brought the pantry to fruition -- Dana Hessenius, Teresa Lang and Missy Sharer-Pieters -- hosted the Soup & Salad Luncheon, where patrons dined on hot brown soup, beet chili, salad and cupcakes, and provided feminine products and cash donations.

One hour into the three-hour lunch, 25 residents showed up to eat the meal, visit with friends and donate. Hessenius was happy with the turnout, especially since Lang said they had a goal of 30 lunches served.

"We're on the board of directors at Binford House and we felt we wanted to do a pantry out front," Lang said. "We thought since it's a Federation of Women group, we should support women and do a period pantry. We are hometown girls, born and raised in Marshalltown, and we wanted to give back to the community."

Hessenius said that as far as they know, it is the first period pantry in Marshall County. Lang speculated there might be some pantries in larger Iowa cities.

"Some places do stock period products, like the House of Compassion," Hessenius said.

"We thought it would be nice to help yourself anytime of day, instead of just (when) someone is open," Lang said. "We try to stock a little bit at a time and it's usually gone when we check the next day."

Hessenius said the products they keep on the shelves include tampons, pads, liners, discs and cups. Since its installation two weeks ago, Penelope has seen a lot of usage.

"I know cost-wise, we've gone through $400 already," she said.

"I bet we've gone through 150 to 200 pads, and the same amount of tampons," Lang said.

Both women hope other organizations or businesses are inspired to install period pantries. Since Penelope has been well-received, Lang added they would like to build a second pantry someday.

"Everywhere where we have talked to women, they love this idea," Hessenius said. "The support moves me."

The pantry is available at any time to anyone who wants to donate menstrual products, or who is in need of products.

PANTRY INFO

Name: Penelope Period Pantry

Location: Binford House

Address: 110 N. 2nd Ave.

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.