How the Red Cart Project Reduces Period Poverty in Schools

Period poverty remains a quiet but significant barrier for students across North Carolina. When access to period products is limited, students may miss class, experience anxiety, or feel unnecessary shame during the school day.

The Red Cart Project was created to address this need directly inside schools by ensuring period products are available where and when students need them most.

In 2025, the Red Cart Project continued to expand its reach and deepen its impact across school communities.

What Is the Red Cart Project

The Red Cart Project places period products directly into school bathrooms and common areas, removing the need for students to ask for supplies or leave class to access them.

By making products readily available, schools help normalize menstruation, reduce stigma, and support student confidence.

2025 Red Cart Impact by the Numbers

During 2025, the Red Cart Project achieved measurable growth and meaningful outcomes.

• Approximately 10,000 students served

• 28 or more schools actively participating

• Thousands of period products distributed each month

This consistent access ensures students can focus on learning rather than worrying about basic necessities.

How Access Changes the School Experience

Schools participating in the Red Cart Project report clear benefits for students.

Access to period products:

• Reduces embarrassment and stigma

• Improves attendance and classroom engagement

• Supports student confidence and emotional well-being

• Creates a more inclusive and supportive school environment

When period products are treated as a standard resource rather than a special request, students are better equipped to succeed academically and socially.

Why School-Based Access Matters

For many families, the cost of period products competes with other essential expenses like food, housing, and transportation. By providing products at school, families experience relief while students gain independence and dignity.

This model ensures support reaches students consistently, regardless of circumstances at home.

Community Partnerships Make It Possible

The Red Cart Project is sustained through partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, donors, and volunteers who believe students deserve equitable access to hygiene resources.

Ongoing collaboration allows the program to expand responsibly and respond to the growing needs of schools across the region.

Looking Ahead

As the Red Cart Project moves into 2026, the focus remains on expanding into additional schools, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring long-term sustainability for school-based hygiene access.

The success of the Red Cart Project demonstrates that simple, thoughtful solutions can create lasting change for students and school communities. Here are some frequently asked questions: What is the Red Cart Project? The Red Cart Project is a school-based initiative that provides students with easy access to period products in bathrooms and common areas.

How does the Red Cart Project help students? The program reduces stigma, improves attendance, and supports student confidence by ensuring period products are always available at school.

How many students does the Red Cart Project serve? In 2025, the Red Cart Project served approximately 10,000 students across more than 28 schools.

Why is period poverty a problem in schools? Period poverty can cause students to miss class, feel embarrassment, and experience stress when they lack access to essential products.