Access to period supplies continues to affect millions globally every day, though in New Jersey, we’re finally making some strides. The Flow Initiative, a New Jersey-based organization, made history in 2023 with the passing of Bill A1349 in — requiring New Jersey schools to provide free menstrual products to students. A second bill that was passed just a few months later made feminine hygiene + sanitation products available in NJ shelters.
The Hoboken Girl team has hosted successful drives annually since 2020 in collaboration with The Flow Initiative — that collected over 30,000 supplies each year. This year, The Local Girl teams and The Flow Initiative have set a lofty goal for 2024 to raise at least 40,000 supplies — and we need The Montclair Girl readers’ help!
To make this happen, we’re collecting period supplies via an Amazon wishlist to be donated directly to The Flow Initiative. Read on for how you can give back to the local community, help those in need, + raise awareness for period poverty in New Jersey with The Flow Initiative’s 2024 Period Supplies Drive — happening from October 8th-22nd.
Dates of Collection for Supplies
Starting Tuesday, October 8th through Tuesday, October 22nd, the local businesses below will accept needed items both during business hours, as well as via Amazon Wishlist. Those local to Hudson County can bring new boxes of pads, tampons, panty liners, individually wrapped feminine wipes, and menstruation relief pads to any location. The Flow Initiative will collect and disperse where needed, including those sent via the Wishlist (most likely easier if you’re in Northern NJ and not close to Hudson County).
Items Needed (must be new boxes/packages — can also be individually wrapped)
- Pads (all sizes)
- Tampons (all sizes)
- Panty liners
- Individually wrapped sanitary products
- Personal heating/menstruation pain relief pads or patches
First things first:
The Amazon Wishlist Link to Donate Directly: FOUND HERE
Donation Locations if Local to Hudson County
If you find yourself in the Hudson County area, several Hoboken + Jersey City businesses are also collecting donations.
You can also bring them in-person to our supplies collection happy hour on 10/15 at 6PM-8:30PM at The Waiting Room bar in Hoboken and meet some of our team!
Busy Bee Organics | 451 Palisades Avenue, Jersey City
JaneDo | 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken + 160 Newark Avenue 3rd Floor, Jersey City
Ken Pilates | 706 Washington Street, Hoboken
Lucas Dental Associates | 232 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken
Yogarenew | 12 Hudson Place 2nd Floor, Hoboken
There’s also an opportunity to shop for supplies via this Amazon Wish List and have it delivered directly to The Flow Initiative.
The Need in the Community
Too often period poverty is discussed as a global issue with the idea that menstruating bodies in underdeveloped countries face a lack of access to supplies more often than in the U.S. While the global numbers are high, 20% of menstruating students in this country are forced to miss school or experience an accident during the day.
Hudson County is home to some of the highest numbers of students facing period poverty in the country. This not only impacts overall menstrual hygiene, but can lead to poor education outcomes, missed work, and mental health issues.
Founder of The Flow Initiative, Eiko La Boria, shared that students who have benefitted from previous drives have said that school is much easier, and they feel more confident when access to supplies is not a worry. In 2023, our partnership was able to donate thousands of period supplies to menstruating persons throughout the county. We hope to exceed that number this year.
“With menstrual health products rising in costs nationwide, it’s imperative to raise awareness of period poverty and we are so proud to work with The Hoboken Girl,” said Sabrina Browne, Partner of The Flow Initiative. “For the last five years, the team has been instrumental in helping us reach women, girls, and all who menstruate.”
On The Flow Initiative
The stats surrounding period poverty and access to supplies were striking to Jersey City resident Eiko La Boria prompting her into action and to found The Flow Initiative.
Just in Jersey City, 90% of menstruating bodies need supplies while in school, 76% have had an accident, and 20% have missed school completely. Upon learning this, Eiko made it her mission to get these products into the hands of those in need while also erasing the stigma and shame often associated with periods.
Over the years, she has advocated for menstrual equity in the city and county at large while creating an access plan to start getting period product dispensaries and opening emergency period product distribution centers throughout the City. Her work is necessary for the community, and she hopes to take this mission nationwide.
“I am so grateful for the support, generosity, and elevation of our mission that Jen, Jordan, Joelle, the entire Hoboken Girl Team, participating businesses, and the great people of Hoboken and Jersey City have bestowed on The Flow Initiative,” Eiko said. “Without question, this menstrual product drive, now in its fifth year, has raised awareness, mobilized the movement to end period poverty, and created a call to action that has echoed all the way down to Trenton and across the country.”
Giving Back + Raising Awareness
Please stop by any of the above locations from October 8th to October 22nd with period supplies to help us hit our goal, and/or send via Amazon Wishlist here.
Make sure to stop by to meet the team, make some new friends, and give back to The Flow Initiative’s amazing cause at our Happy Hour @ The Waiting Room in Hoboken (72 Hudson Street) from 6PM to 8:30PM on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024. Don’t forget your supplies!
Together, we can end the stigma of periods and work towards equity for all.
15 Cool Spots to Visit in Millburn, New Jersey
For something new to try on the weekends, try visiting a town in Essex County that features shopping, great places to eat, and hiking. Millburn, New Jersey is located in the southwest sector of Essex County. Regardless of the time of year, visitors will have a great time shopping at high-end stores or in small businesses and grabbing a drink + a bite to eat in town. Read on for more information about cool places to visit in Millburn, New Jersey.
How to Get to Millburn
If traveling from the Garden State Parkway, drivers can take the exit that allows access to Route 78 or Route 24. These highways are also accessible from the New Jersey Turnpike. There are many parking options in Millburn as well. Street parking is available and there are multiple parking lots available around the town center.
Read More: A Day Trip Guide to Bloomfield, New Jersey
If commuting through public transit, Millburn has its own train station. The Millburn Station is located on Essex Street, near the South Mountain Reservation. This train station is accessible through NJTransit and runs on the Gladstone Branch + Morristown Line.
Activities + Shopping
The Book House | 281 Essex Street
Located on Essex Street, The Book House is a great stop on a trip to Millburn. Whether visitors want to add a new book to their collection or have a quiet space to take care of some work (WiFi available) or reading, this bookstore meets all needs. A cafe exists inside the bookshop and is available for patrons to order beverages during the bookshop's opening hours. There is also a downstairs space available for events. The Book House hosted events like comedy nights, author events, and events for children like Preschool Story Time.
Greenwood Gardens | 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills
While the Greenwood Gardens address says Short Hills, it is located between both towns as part of the South Mountain Reservation. Twenty-eight acres of public gardens are waiting to be explored on Fridays, Saturdays, + Sundays. Tours are available beginning in May. Activities in the Greenwood Gardens are more accessible in warmer weather. However, the gardens have programs available from January to May like the Peter P. Blanchard III lecture series in March titled “The Art, History, + Restoration of Scenic Wallpaper.” When the weather gets warmer, there are events like picnics, photography, + more.
Nunez Gallery | 343 Millburn Avenue
J.Nunez Gallery has two locations: an abstract art showcase in Millburn + a non-abstract art and fine art photography showcase in Summit. This Millburn gallery is open six days a week (closed on Sundays), and features artists like Jesus Nunez, Toral Patel, Guillermo Bublik, + Heather Robinson. Jesus Nunez is the creator + main contributor to the gallery. Pieces are also available for purchase.
Paper Mill Playhouse | 22 Brookside Drive
Those who love performing arts should plan a visit to Paper Mill Playhouse. Musical shows are available on the website. Some musicals that can be seen are Mystic Pizza, Take the Lead, + Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The theater also has an art gallery available for visiting and Paper Mill has theater classes for kids, teens, and adults.
Paper Ribbon + Wrap | 271 Essex Street
Located on Essex Street, Paper Ribbon + Wrap is next door to The Book House. This little shop has a lot going on inside. Whether shoppers are looking for a little something special for friends, or having a treat-yourself kind of day, Paper Ribbon + Wrap has it covered. Some items inside include a selection of scented candles, and kitchen gifting items like cheese boards, trays, + glassware. There’s also a bridal and baby section if shopping for an upcoming shower. Jewelry, handbags, and clothing items are also available.
Where to Dine
Casa Das Natas | 348 Millburn Avenue
Casa Das Natas is located near the corner of Millburn Avenue + Main Street and is open six days a week (closed on Sundays). This cafe serves traditional Portuguese dishes like Bifanas (hot pork sandwich) + Caldo Verde (collard green soup). Desserts + pastries are also available. If stopping by, try a Nata (Portuguese custard cup), a chocolate salami, or a flan.
The Coffee Mill Roasters | 41 Main Street
The Coffee Mill Roasters is a cute, cozy spot to warm up with a hot cup of coffee in the colder months or grab an iced latte to walk around Millburn when the weather is warmer. Owner Adel opened The Coffee Mill Roasters in 2011 in Millburn because he enjoys the town and the people in it. He prides himself in roasting his own beans for his coffee establishment. Beverages to try are cold brew (Decaf or Regular), caramel apple cider, snickerdoodle latte, + more. There are also fresh pastries, cakes, + more available at the front of the store for purchase to create the perfect coffee pairing.
Common Lot | 27 Main Street
Common Lot is just a three-minute walk from Millburn Station and is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday. The establishment is owned and operated by couple Ehren + Nadine. The food served represented the couple’s shared global experiences. A pre-fix menu is available on Fridays + Saturdays which includes an appetizer, entree, + dessert. A chef’s grand tasting menu is also available.
Millburn Deli | 328 Millburn Avenue
When most people think of Millburn, the one place people mention is to stop by the Millburn Deli. The establishment opened its doors in 1946 and has been serving “good vibes” along with chicken cutlets, sloppy joes, specialty salads, + more. MG pro tip: Order a Sloppy Joe from the Millburn Deli and enjoy it with a side of sweet coleslaw and some iced tea.
Millburn Standard | 42 Main Street
It’s always a good idea to stop by the Millburn Standard for lunch, or dinner or to enjoy a cocktail. Start with the rosemary focaccia (marinated olives, whipped compound butter) or the filet skewers (Certified Black Angus Filet Mignon, soy glaze, chives, cashews, Thai kale slaw). Then move into The Standard Burger (7-ounce, cheddar, bacon, hickory sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, brioche bun, fries) or the Trumpet Mushroom Risotto (butternut squash risotto, trumpet mushrooms, broccolini, vegan beurre blanc). If stopping in for a cocktail try the Problem Solver (Glendalough Irish Whiskey, Peach Schnapps, lychee, strawberry, pineapple juice) or the Pink Out (Casa Nobles Blanco Tequila, Ruffino Sparkling Rose, raspberries, peach puree, lime juice, simple syrup). If this is the last stop on a long day in town, there’s a late-night menu available until midnight with items like standard wings, chicken tenders, tempura cauliflower, + more.
Moonshine Modern Supper Club | 55 Main Street
Located near the corner of Main Street + Millburn Avenue, Moonshine Modern Supper Club is a great spot for dinner or Sunday Brunch. There’s also a four-course prix fixe menu available for dinner. For dinner options try the Lorean Tuna Sashimi (jasmine rice, broccolini, seaweed salad, watermelon radish, scallions, sesame seeds) or the braised beef short rib (collard greens, cheesy grits, bordelaise). End the meal with warm cookie dough (chocolate chip, vanilla gelato) or peanut butter mousse (dark chocolate drizzle, whipped cream). If stopping in for Sunday Brunch, try the lobster + artichoke benny (poached eggs, butter poached lobster, artichoke hearts, English muffin, house hollandaise drizzle, home fries) or the French Toast sandwich (ham, gruyere, maple mustard, powdered sugar, home fries).
Saigon Cafe | 286 Essex Street
Located across the street from The Book House, Saigon Cafe serves Pho + grill dishes, seven days a week. Try the Fresh Summer Rolls (freshly prepared hand rolls consisting of fresh lettuce, mint leaves, bean sprouts, and vermicelli noodles, wrapped in soft rice paper). Ask for chili sauce to spice your appetizer. Also, ask for dipping fish sauce. Another option to try is the Spicy Lemongrass Pho (rice or egg noodles in veggies or chicken or beef spicy lemongrass bone broth served with proteins of your choice). Gluten-free visitors will find their next meal here as about 80% of the menu is GF.
The Simple Fare | 35 Main Street
If looking for a quick bite to eat with fresh food options for brunch or lunch, look no further than The Simple Fare. The name stands true in this lovely, minimalist Indian cafe + patisserie. The owner, Ashima Mehra, recently opened her establishment in November of 2024. She prides herself on The Simple Fare serving quality food sourced from local and organic options. Try the masala omelette (organic eggs, with onions, tomatoes, + bell peppers. Served with sourdough bread. Add green chili for a spicy kick!) or the Tandoori Chicken Sandwich (free range chicken, spices, sweet + spicy avocado mayo, pickled veg). End this meal with one of the mouth-watering desserts available at the counter like the salted caramel banana bread.
Outdoor Spots
South Mountain Fairy Trail | 197 Glen Avenue
Those who love the great outdoors should check out the South Mountain Fairy Trail. This trail is about half a mile and is part of the South Mountain Conservancy. It has been said to be inhabited by fairies. Small fairy homes continue to appear on this trial for about a decade.
See More: Your Ultimate Hudson County Bucket List for 2025
Taylor Park | 100 Main Street
For those who have an appreciation for the great outdoors, but aren’t in the mood to take a hike, try hanging out in Taylor Park. Located in the Millburn/Short Hills area, this park has a baseball/softball diamond, basketball court, playground, tennis court, and more. There’s also a walking path to take a stroll.
