The Tissue Issue
1 in 3 low-income households in the U.S. are unable to afford essential hygiene items like toilet paper.
SNAP and WIC Federal Programs do not allow for the purchase of toilet paper or other household paper products.
Families relying on these programs have to pay out of pocket, often forcing trade-offs between hygiene, food, and other needs.
Our Mission
My name is Amelia Tedesco. I started the Tissue Issue Foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to draw attention to a pressing need. Toilet paper insecurity is a widespread issue, especially among low-income families, but it’s under-recognized because it falls outside of food aid and healthcare safety nets.
We believe that access to basic hygiene is a human right. Our mission is to provide essential hygiene products to families in need.
What We Do
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Distribute Hygiene Products: We provide families with toilet paper
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Partner with Food Pantries: We supply local food banks and shelters with hygiene items that are often missing from their shelves.
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Raise Awareness: We shine a light on hygiene insecurity, an overlooked issue that directly impacts health, dignity, and quality of life.
Who We Serve
We serve low-income families, seniors, and individuals across Western, Pennsylvania, with a focus on those who fall through the cracks of existing safety nets.
Our Values
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Dignity: Everyone deserves to meet their most basic needs without shame.
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Equity: We work to ensure that resources reach the households most in need.
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Community: We believe change happens when neighbors look out for one another.
How We Operate
Our Approach
Transparency
Clear and open communication.
Efficiency
Maximizing resources effectively.
Compassion
making a meaningful difference
Impact
Creating lasting positive change.
Collaboration
Working together the best
Sustainability
lasting benefits for communities