Shapiro administration launches free menstrual product program, includes Lehigh Valley park
LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration will make menstrual products free and available in 68 state parks throughout Pennsylvania, including Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center in Nazareth.
The initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Lori Shapiro and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, aims to ensure all visitors can comfortably enjoy the state’s parks.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources unveiled the program at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center in Cumberland County. Jacobsburg is the only state park in the Lehigh Valley included in the initiative.
According to a news release, the department will evaluate the program’s success and may expand it to additional parks in the future.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn emphasized the importance of inclusivity in outdoor spaces.
“No one should have to cut an outdoor adventure short because of their period,” Dunn said. “DCNR has you covered. We are committed to creating inclusive, welcoming outdoor spaces — and that means meeting people’s basic needs without stigma or barriers.”
Ruby Mundok, executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, highlighted the impact on young people, noting that a lack of access to menstrual products has prevented some from participating in outdoor experiences.
“Having access to free menstrual products in state parks isn’t just a win for equity — it’s a step toward ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the outdoors without barriers,” Mundok said. “We’ve heard from young people across Pennsylvania who missed out on outdoor experiences because they didn’t have access to menstrual products. This initiative gives visitors peace of mind so they can fully enjoy everything our parks have to offer.”
Mundok praised the administration’s commitment to ensuring that Pennsylvanians have access to menstrual products in both educational settings and recreational areas.
In 2024, the administration secured $3 million to provide free menstrual products in K-12 schools across the state. The proposed 2025-26 budget continues that investment.
PERIOD, a global menstrual equity organization with chapters worldwide, said local chapter leaders met with the first lady to discuss these initiatives.
“We applaud Gov. and First Lady Shapiro’s commitment to advancing menstrual equity across Pennsylvania,” said Emily Swanigan, strategic communications manager for PERIOD. “From their commitment to expand period product access in Pennsylvania schools in 2024 to this next step of free period products in state parks, we urge other states to follow their lead and provide safe, free, and easily accessible period products in public places.”
