At Renewing Dignity, we believe dignity is a right, not a luxury, and that a basic natural need should not hold anyone back from life’s opportunities. What began as a heartfelt community response to a hidden but widespread problem has grown into a bold program operating across 12 counties throughout Northeast and North Central Florida under the Feeding Northeast Florida umbrella.
A Story Born from Compassion
In August 2018, during the annual gathering of local nonprofits, members of the Women’s Giving Alliance (WGA) learned that many agencies were struggling to provide feminine hygiene products to women and girls experiencing homelessness or income insecurity. Many people simply don’t think to donate these items, and, without them, people who menstruate often face uncomfortable, unsafe, and undignified choices like stretching product use, using unsanitary substitutes, or missing work, school, and social activities because they have nowhere to turn.
Moved by both the problem and the community’s eagerness to help, WGA organized a “Dignity Drive” in October 2018. The community donated hundreds of boxes of tampons, pads, and related supplies to area food pantries. The response was immediate and overwhelming. However, everyone involved knew that a single drive would not solve the problem. Once recognized, it was clear that period poverty was a recurring struggle that demanded a consistent, sustainable solution.
That initial spark led to deep collaboration between WGA, the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL), and other partners. By February 2019, Renewing Dignity, Inc. was formally launched to tackle “period poverty” through product distribution, education, and advocacy.
At its heart, Renewing Dignity has always held a simple but profound belief: meeting menstrual hygiene needs is a human right that nourishes health, safety, dignity, equity, and social justice.
Growth, Advocacy, and Milestones
Since its inception, Renewing Dignity has distributed millions of period products to women and girls across Northeast and North Central Florida. Together with community partners, over 4 million tampons and pads have reached neighbors in need across 12 counties. Through hundreds of nonprofit agency partners, Renewing Dignity has addressed over 198,000 periods.
The impact extends beyond distribution. Renewing Dignity’s advocacy efforts helped spur statewide policy changes and brought free menstrual supply vending machines to Title I schools in Duval County. Additionally, the program launched menstrual health workshops for middle and high school students, elevating knowledge and confidence for young girls navigating puberty.
A New Chapter: Joining Feeding Northeast Florida
On January 1, 2024, Renewing Dignity entered a new phase by merging with Feeding Northeast Florida, the region’s largest hunger-relief network. The merger creates greater capacity to expand services, leverage purchasing and distribution efficiency, and increase program reach throughout Northeast and North Central Florida. The transition brings Renewing Dignity into the Feeding Northeast Florida family as a dedicated program, preserving its mission while the organization and community benefit from Feeding Northeast Florida’s logistical prowess, infrastructure, and partnerships.
Founder Jan Healy and the former Renewing Dignity board now serve as the program’s Strategic Advisory Committee, helping guide the mission and ensure continuity as operations grow under the food bank’s banner.
Renewing Dignity Today
Today, Renewing Dignity: A Program of Feeding Northeast Florida continues its mission with energy and purpose, ensuring that all who menstruate can manage their periods without shame or limitation and with safety, hygiene, and confidence.
From a grassroots desire to make a difference to significant regional impact, the story of Renewing Dignity proves lasting change is possible when communities see a need and step up to address it together.
