Episode Details

Today on Beyond the Bleeds, we sit down with Liz Wollenberg, Chief Systems and Strategy Officer at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, and Alison Fiebig, Vice President of Strategy, Brand Marketing, and Communications at Emplify Health. Together, they are founding members and board members of The Monthlies Project, a grassroots initiative dedicated to ending period poverty for school-aged kids in Northeast Wisconsin and beyond. We peel back the stigma around menstruation, discuss the ripple effects of period poverty on education and well-being, and highlight how community-driven solutions are making a difference.

Liz Wollenberg is a leader in systems strategy at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, combining deep expertise in nonprofit collaboration and advocacy for basic needs. Alison Fiebig brings her background in brand strategy and community engagement to Emplify Health and The Monthlies Project. Both Liz and Alison have championed the movement to address menstrual equity by connecting diverse partners – from food banks to women’s funds – and have been pivotal in building the Monthlies Project’s model for sustainable community support.

“We have no staff. It is a community collaboration … people saying, ‘I’m not going to watch this happen in my community any longer.’” ~Alison Fiebig

Today on Beyond the Bleeds:

• The Monthlies Project tackles period poverty by providing free menstrual products to schools and organizations serving youth in Northeast Wisconsin.
• Period poverty negatively impacts school attendance, mental health, and educational opportunity, especially among those who menstruate.
• Stigma and misconceptions persist – many are surprised that period poverty exists locally, or assume it’s only a ‘women’s issue.’
• The Monthlies Project partners with local nonprofits, school districts, and community organizations, streamlining product distribution through Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s logistics network.
• Their model is volunteer-driven, with no paid staff, funded by private donations, community events, and foundation partnerships.
• Advocacy is a growing area – systemic change, such as eliminating taxes on period products and requiring free supplies in schools, is necessary for lasting impact.
• Success is evident in both the number of products delivered (770,000+) and the stories of students who can remain in school thanks to the availability of accessible supplies.
• The “An Event, Period.” annual fundraiser is a unique, light-hearted evening featuring community stories, comedians, and creative ways to drive awareness and support (next planned for Spring 2026).

Guest Contact Information:

The Monthlies Project:
Website: https://monthliesproject.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonthliesProject
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themonthliesproject/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonthliesproject/

Resources Mentioned:

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin:
https://feedingamericawi.org