Two Round Rock High School juniors are tackling period poverty through their nonprofit, A Fresh Start for Girls. Sanjana and Vaanya, both juniors, founded the organization in 2023 to provide feminine hygiene products to underprivileged communities and to advocate for mental health awareness.
Sanjana said she was inspired to act after witnessing period poverty during a trip to India.
“While I was there, I noticed how common period poverty was, and then I started realizing that it’s also common in the United States,” she said. “That’s when I realized I had to do something because more girls than you think do not have access to necessary hygiene products.”
Vaanya agreed.
“Many people take access to hygiene products for granted,” she said. “They’re essential, and everyone should have them. I know what it’s like to miss school because of my period,” she said. “We want to make sure no girl is held back by something so basic and preventable.”
Their organization recently received a $500 grant from H-E-B and used the funds to donate period products to Families in Transition (FIT) at Round Rock ISD. This donation is expected to help an estimated 200-300 young women at Round Rock ISD currently facing period poverty.
“The fact that this donation is ongoing and student-led is mind-blowing,” said Anne Grishop, FiT Coordinator and District Homeless/ Foster Care Liaison. “These young women are making a real difference in their community.”
A Fresh Start for Girls also collaborates with the Round Rock Area Serving Center and the Austin Diaper Bank. With about 15 members in their newly formed school club at Round Rock High, the founders hope their efforts will continue to expand year after year.
Community members can support the organization by donating at afreshstartforgirls.org or contributing directly to Families in Transition through the Round Rock ISD website.
