District News

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — The Junior League of Grand Rapids is helping to address period poverty at GRPS with a second donation of menstrual hygiene “period packs.”

The reusable canvas zipper pouches contain a variety of menstrual pads and tampons designed to be easily stored in backpacks or lockers for scholars to access. The Junior League has donated nearly 600 packs to GRPS so far this year, significantly expanding the district’s available supply heading into the 2026-27 school year.

"The Junior League of Grand Rapids is excited to launch our new initiative, JL CARES, which focuses on ending period poverty in Grand Rapids. This initiative reflects the passion and commitment of our members who care deeply about this issue and recognize the real need in our community," said Hillary Hatch, the Junior League's Community Partnership Chair. "By partnering with GRPS, we are taking a meaningful step to ending period poverty and to ensure every student has equitable access to care."

School nurses distributed the initial donation through the district’s fifth-grade reproductive health curriculum. The additional packs will ensure schools begin the next academic year with menstrual hygiene resources readily available for scholars who may need them.

"All scholars deserve access to the basic necessities that allow them to fully participate in school," said Kirstyn Wade, GRPS Director of Health Services. "We are so thankful to the Junior League for helping us meet this need through the generous donation of period packs. Not only does this donation help our scholars be more prepared for menstruation, but it also ensures they have the resources and support needed to attend school with confidence and focus on learning."