dignity starts daily: improving access to hygiene essentials
Hygiene isn’t a luxury—it’s an everyday foundation for health, opportunity and dignity.
This October, we are shining a light on hygiene insecurity. Hygiene insecurity, or the consistent inability for a person to access daily essentials, has a rippling effect across our community.
Dive in to learn about this hidden issue facing thousands of our neighbors, nonprofits partnering to address it and how you can be part of the solution.
The impact of hygiene insecurity
Basic hygiene items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and menstrual products are not covered by federal assistance programs like SNAP or WIC. When families face tough financial choices, these essential items are often the first to be cut.
The hidden cost
Lack of consistent access to basic hygiene products impacts mental health, school attendance, job performance, and overall physical health.
the reality
1 in 3 low-income families struggle to afford basic hygiene supplies, leading to social isolation, systemic barriers, and loss of personal dignity.
the solution
Bridge to Basics built the network to meet the need. Together, we are powering earning, learning and opportunity for more neighbors.
“Access to hygiene care directly supports our mission to help people gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive. When individuals and families have their basic hygiene needs met, they are healthier, more confident, and better able to participate in education, employment, and community life.” – Neighborhood House
Bridge to Basics acts as the logistics and supply-chain backbone for our local nonprofit community. We source, bulk-purchase, warehouse, and organize vital hygiene essentials at scale.
Theses items are provided at no-cost to our nonprofit partners—shelters, food shelves, schools, and health clinics—reclaiming resources and amplifying impact.
Importantly, this collaboration means individuals receive products where they already go for support, improving access.
5 Ways to make a difference this october
Make a donation
Your financial support allows us to leverage wholesale buying power to stretch every dollar further than retail prices.
host a drive
Rally your coworkers, faith community, school, or neighborhood. Learn more and access our toolkit to organize a hygiene drive. Get started today!
Join a drive already in progress!
Bell Bank – Woodbury & Stillwater locations have donation barrels in their lobbies this month. Pop in with your donations!
YMCA – Ridgedale (Minnetonka) and Woodbury facilities have donation barrels in their lobbies (on-going)
shop online registries
Want to send products directly to our warehouse? Purchase high-demand items directly from our registries on HDI Wholesale, Walmart, Amazon and Target. Shop for Good now.
volunteer
Roll up your sleeves! Join us at our warehouse to sort, package and prepare hygiene bundles for distribution to our partner network. Click here to secure your spot!
amplify the issue
Help us break the stigma surrounding hygiene insecurity. Follow us on social media, share our posts, join our email list, and engage your community in supporting the issue through a fundraiser or other action-oriented activity.
Have additional ideas or inquiries?
We are here for it!