Several colleges, including the University of Arizona, Columbia University and the University of Minnesota have adopted programs to provide free menstrual products for female students on campus.

In 2015, women spent nearly $3.1 billion on pads, tampons and other feminine products, and 86 percent of women said they have found themselves in need of supplies while out in public.

In March, President Obama brought attention to the fact that 40 states tax tampons as a luxury item. New York has eliminated that tax, and Washington D.C. and Florida plan to do the same.

“Every female has a period in some form, and these supplies aren’t luxury items and should not be treated as luxury items,” said Erin Deal, the University of Minnesota Student Association’s infrastructure committee director. “They’re a necessity. They’re a sanitation item.”

Read the full story by USA Today College here.