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Hygiene Matters
What is Hygiene Insecurity?
Hygiene insecurity occurs when individuals and families cannot reliably access essential personal care products (e.g., soap, toothpaste, menstrual products).
These items are not covered by federal assistance programs such as SNAP or WIC. Families must purchase them out of pocket, often choosing between hygiene, food, housing, and utilities.
Physical Health
58%
of people cut back on food in order to afford hygiene products
Physical Health
58%
of people cut back on food in order to afford hygiene products
Physical Health
58%
of people cut back on food in order to afford hygiene products
Physical Health
58%
of people cut back on food in order to afford hygiene products
Physical Health
58%
of people cut back on food in order to afford hygiene products
Hygiene directly affects participation in daily life.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Students miss school or avoid participation without menstrual and hygiene products. Access affects confidence, attendance, and engagement.
WORKFORCE STABILITY
Adults miss interviews and shifts when they lack essential hygiene supplies. Hygiene affects job readiness and retention.
1 in 3
Massachusetts residents experiences hygiene insecurity
2.3 million
children and adults are affected
HEALTH & MENTAL WELL-BEING
Consistent hygiene reduces infection risk, supports chronic condition management, and decreases stress and social isolation.
Hundreds of community organizations report unmet demand.
Without hygiene, stability becomes fragile.
The Scale of the Gap in Massachusetts
In 2025, Hope & Comfort distributed 5.1 million hygiene products through more than 600 community partners across the state.
There are currently 399 additional organizations on our waitlist seeking support.
Demand continues to grow across schools, health centers, shelters, and food pantries.
This is not a small or isolated issue. It is statewide.
Why it is Often Overlooked
Unlike food insecurity, hygiene insecurity has not historically had a standardized measurement tool or coordinated policy framework. It is often overlooked because:
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It carries stigma
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It is less visible than hunger or homelessness
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It is not tracked consistently in public data
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It is not covered by major assistance programs
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As a result, families navigate this gap quietly.
A Solvable Structural Gap
Hygiene insecurity is solvable. The products exist. The cost per person is predictable.
Distribution networks are in place. The impact is measurable.
On average, $50 stabilizes hygiene access for one person for one year.
When communities invest in hygiene access, they strengthen school attendance, workforce participation, and health outcomes.
Leading the Field
Hygiene insecurity has lacked a validated measurement framework. Hope & Comfort is developing the first validated measure of hygiene insecurity.
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This work will:
Allow communities to quantify the issue
Connect hygiene access to measurable outcomes
Inform policy and funding decisions
Elevate hygiene as a recognized public health priority
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Distribution addresses today’s need. Measurement builds tomorrow’s system.
