Bill would let Illinoisans use SNAP, WIC benefits to buy feminine hygiene products

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — If you're receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits, you could soon use them to buy menstrual hygiene products.

Period products are something women use and need.

"It's a necessity, just like food or liquids," Springfield resident Mary Ann Legg said. "It's something women need and they're expensive."

It's not always affordable for everyone.

House Bill 155 would let people use their WIC and SNAP benefits to buy feminine hygiene products, as well as diapers.

State Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, the chief sponsor of this bill in the Senate, said period poverty is a real thing.

"This has been completely prohibiting folks who are menstruating to be able to go along with their daily lives if they're unable to afford the products that they need," Villa said.

In Illinois, one in six women and girls between the age of 12 and 44 lives below the federal poverty line, according to Alliance for Period Supplies.

"Sometimes a person will have to choose between food or a tampon or pad,” said Maureen Keane, Co-Founder of She Votes Illinois.

She Votes Illinois is a political action committee. They are part of the push to get the bill passed.

One of Keane's main points is cost.

“Period products alone can cost around $5,600 in a lifetime,” Keane said.

Some locals in Springfield agree that menstrual products should be affordable.

"If I bought a box of tampons, it's going to cost me at least $9 to get something that's at least comfortable,” Springfield resident Emily Brigman said.

HB155 passed the Senate Health Committee. Now, it goes to the full Senate.