About The She Shed
The She Shed is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to essential period products for anyone in need by breaking down barriers of cost, access, and stigma. We believe that no one should have to choose between their health, dignity, and basic necessities.
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Meet the Founder
Kathy Eckert is the founder of The She Shed, a feminine hygiene pantry that hosts monthly distribution events providing free feminine care products to women and girls in need. Inspired by her years of volunteer work supporting families, Kathy wanted to meet a different but equally pressing need in her community—ensuring no woman or girl has to go without essential care products. She founded The She Shed in 2023.
Kathy's volunteer journey began as a Circle of Parents Facilitator with Parents Inc. of New Jersey, where, for more than five years, she has offered encouragement, guidance, and a compassionate listening ear to families. She started that work during a difficult period in her own life, and through it she discovered the power of peer support - a lesson that continues to shape how she approaches her community work today.
That experience ultimately led her to start The She Shed, channeling her drive to help others into a hands-on effort that puts real, tangible resources directly into the hands of women and girls who need them.
Together, We’re Making a Difference
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The She Shed is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit feminine pantry for women and girls in need. We distribute free feminine health products every third Tuesday of the month between 4:00-6:00pm. Everyone is welcome!
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Our mission extends beyond our monthly product distribution. We strive to foster awareness, education, and open conversation around menstrual health so that periods are no longer treated with secrecy or shame.
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Menstruation is a natural part of life experienced by millions of girls and women, and everyone deserves the ability to manage it confidently, safely and with dignity.
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The numbers are staggering. An estimated “16.9 million menstruating women in the United States live in poverty, two-thirds of which are low-income and food-insecure women who cannot afford basic menstrual products such as pads, tampons, and menstrual products” (Sacca et al., 2023). This isn't just a national issue - it's one that impacts individuals and families right here in Monmouth County. No one should have to choose between purchasing period products and meeting other basic needs.
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Our outreach extends to local businesses, school systems, shelters and various organizations helping those in need. Through advocacy, community support, and access to resources, The She Shed works to create a future where period poverty and stigma no longer exist.
