Supporting Students Through Ontario’s Menstrual Equity Initiative

Did you know that there are free menstrual products in schools for girls through the Ministry of Education in partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart? The Ministry of Education’s Menstrual Equity Initiative in Ontario provides free menstrual products to students across the province through school boards and authorities. The program is supported by donations from Shoppers Drug Mart, which first contributed products in 2021–22 and has since expanded its commitment. A new three-year agreement (2024–27) will supply 23 million products, allocated according to student enrolment data. The initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers and reduce stigma so students can fully participate in school.
Key Features of the Ontario Initiative
Free access to products
Students receive menstrual products—pads and tampons—at no cost.
Public–private partnership
The program is delivered through a partnership between the Ministry of Education and Shoppers Drug Mart, which donates a substantial supply of products.
Funding and distribution
Funding: Shoppers Drug Mart will provide 23 million menstrual products over three years beginning in the 2024–25 school year. Support for students Financial relief: The initiative reduces the financial burden on students and families. Inclusion: It fosters a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
Educational focus: By removing concerns about access to menstrual products, students can concentrate more fully on learning.
Implementation details: Dispensers: In 2024–25, 1,380 dispensers were installed to support product access.
Allocation: Product quantities for each board are determined using enrolment data from the Ontario School Information System (OnSIS).
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000941/ontario-launches-free-menstrual-products-in-schools