A woman residing in South Philadelphia offers menstrual and postpartum supplies through a series of sheds
Grab n' Flow Expands Access to Essential Menstrual and Postpartum Supplies in Philadelphia
Grab n' Flow, a community-driven organisation based in Philadelphia, is making strides in providing free, anonymous menstrual and postpartum products through mutual aid distribution sheds. Currently, the organisation operates at three locations in South and West Philly, with plans to expand in the future [1][3][5].
The initiative was born out of a need identified by Shelley Aragoncillo, who gave birth to her child in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aragoncillo noticed a demand for menstrual products during the public health emergency and decided to take action [6]. She set up a shed in her neighbourhood in South Philly to provide menstrual and postpartum supplies, which has since become the flagship for Grab n' Flow [3]. The organisation now has two additional locations.
The supplies at the South Philly shed, as well as the other locations, are mainly stocked by donations from community members. The response to the shed has been "incredible," with the community rallying to support this essential cause [7].
The most popular items at the flagship South Philly shed are pads, indicating a high demand for these products [7]. In the 2022 donation drive organised by a group of women business owners in Manayunk, known as "The Manayunk Wing Women," Grab n' Flow collected 45 boxes of supplies and over $600 for Women Against Abuse [4]. Participating businesses in the Manayunk Wing Women's donation drive give out special logos to customers who donate.
Grab n' Flow's partnerships extend beyond the Manayunk Wing Women. The organisation has partnered with The Free Library of Philadelphia and has been supported by the city of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine [8]. The nursing pumps donated by Grab n' Flow are in high demand, particularly among those who are undocumented and uninsured [1].
Looking ahead, Grab n' Flow is actively fundraising to continue and expand its service. They are raising $5,000 to maintain and grow supply distribution in Philly neighbourhoods, indicating efforts to keep the products flowing and possibly reach more locations or increase supply capacity [2].
The growth of the city's maternal care landscape is also noteworthy. The upcoming opening of Temple Health’s Women’s and Families Hospital in North Philadelphia aims to better serve maternal needs in the city [5]. This new hospital's emphasis on maternal health care corresponds with the community need that organisations like Grab n' Flow are addressing on a grassroots level.
For those interested in getting involved or donating, the Grab n' Flow website has a contact form available [9]. The organisation's goal is to make menstrual and postpartum supplies accessible to all, ultimately eliminating the need for a service like Grab n' Flow.
[1] Grab n' Flow [2] Philadelphia Inquirer [3] 6abc Action News [4] Manayunk-Roxborough Patch [5] Philadelphia Business Journal [6] Philadelphia Magazine [7] CBS Philly [8] Philadelphia Gay News [9] Grab n' Flow Contact Form
The initiative by Grab n' Flow, expanding access to essential menstrual and postpartum supplies in Philadelphia, aligns with the broader health-and-wellness landscape, addressing critical women's health needs. Donations to the organization, aimed at maintaining and growing supply distribution, can support science-based research focused on women's health issues.
