In October 2021, the Ministry of Education announced a partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart to take action on the issue of period poverty within schools. This initiative would see free menstrual products distributed to school boards across Ontario. The 2021-2022 school year has seen the installation of dispensers for free menstrual products across Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) in female and all-gender washrooms at the secondary school level, and at least one washroom in elementary schools.
To support this partnership, a Huntsville Public School (HPS) Grade 8 class decided to create Moon Kits for all students who menstruate in the school.
Moon Kits are refillable kits sewed together from recycled materials with donated overnight and super absorbent products that are not currently in the dispensers found in TLDSB schools, as well as comfort items such as tea bags, inspirational quotes, and chocolate.
“Our idea started after learning that there are menstruating individuals who do not have access to products, and so as a class, we wanted to ensure they felt supported,” said HPS teacher, Katrina Cotterchio.
The Grade 8 students are responsible for the development of Moon Kits from start to finish – budgeting how much each kit costs to make, calling local businesses for donations, collecting/purchasing items, designing and sewing the fabric bags, packaging, promoting to the media and school, as well as distributing.
“This incentive has encouraged a tremendous amount of openness and comfort around the topic of menstruation and what the products are between our menstruators and non-menstruators in the class,” said Cotterchio. “We have had equal amounts of engagement and learning from all students and I am so proud of them – they have far exceeded my expectations! Anyone in my class can describe why we need overnight pads vs. regular and why different absorbencies of tampons exist. I am so lucky that they are so willing to learn and take initiative!”To learn more about menstrual equity in TLDSB, visit the Equity and Inclusion page on the Board’s website.
