Select Shoppers Drug Mart locations may soon offer free menstrual hygiene products

Two Toronto Shoppers Drug Mart locations may soon have free menstrual hygiene product dispensers.

A Member Motion by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam heading to City Council this week recommends the approval of the temporary installation of free menstrual hygiene product dispensers by Shoppers Drug Mart “within the public right of way fronting or adjacent to each of 465 Yonge Street and 524 Queen Street West, until September 2019.”

Shoppers Drug Mart would maintain the dispensers at their own expense, and Council would waive any applicable application or permit fees.

According to the report, Shoppers Drug Mart has piloted a free menstrual hygiene product dispenser at 351 Queen Street East “to great effect.”

“For those who are economically marginalized, access to these products can come at great expense or sacrifice. The Shoppers Drug Mart project is just one way that our communities are finding ways to help provide those in need with dignity,” it continues.

To expand the program and provide more access to these products, Shoppers is looking to expand its pilot into two stores, which are at 465 Yonge Street and 524 Queen Street West.

The report states that this program initiative is a charitable gesture and produces no direct profit to Shoppers Drug Mart.

See also

• Canadian doctors asked to hand over menstrual products before taking licensing exam
• Shoppers Drug Mart finally approved as cannabis seller in Ontario