Suffern students present "Pink Pouch" menstrual-care project to school board

Two Suffern High School students told the Suffern Central School District Board of Education on May 19 that their student-led Pink Pouch Project is supplying menstrual-care kits to local organizations and seeking to expand distribution.

Esmeralda Sabino Ramirez and Anaya Ali, who introduced themselves as the project's founders, described pouch contents that include comfort items such as heating pads, travel-size wipes, chamomile tea bags, small candies, hand sanitizer, and an encouragement card. "Menstrual care is essential to health, dignity, and daily life," Esmeralda said while presenting the project's goals and materials.

The students credited the Suffern Rotary and the community food pantry as distribution partners and said they have provided at least 75 pouches to date and had more than 75 additional pouches ready to distribute. They set a goal of creating 500 pouches next year and said they were recruiting volunteers from other local clubs and Interact chapters.

The presenters cited statistics about period poverty while explaining the project's need and impact. "One in four students struggle to afford period products here in the United States," the students said; they also said that many schools provide tampons but that pads are often preferred and that dispensers are sometimes not restocked. These statistics and related policy references were presented by the students as part of their case for the project.

During and after the presentation the superintendent praised the students for connecting their work to the district's stated values, noting commitment, compassion, community connections and character. Board member Ms. Bryan recommended the students share their pouch-content findings directly with the superintendent and his administrative team to identify product options and restocking improvements for school restrooms.

The students invited board members and the public to a legislative meeting on menstrual-health and period-poverty awareness and handed out QR codes and business cards for further contact. The project leaders said they hope to partner with additional area schools and organizations, and mentioned a possible partnership with Good Samaritan Hospital.

Next steps: the students said they will continue volunteer recruitment and partner outreach; the board did not take formal action on the project at the May 19 meeting.