ALDI has become the first UK supermarket to tackle period poverty by offering free sanitary products in customer and colleague toilets.
Aldi will be providing pads and tampons in its in-store toilets, with customers able to simply take what they need as new research from the retailer reveals 41% of people who menstruate are unable to afford period products, with 15% saying that this is “very often” or “always” the case.
The supermarket has also partnered with leading menstrual equity charity, Bloody Good Period, to donate over 1 million period products to support the charity’s fight against period poverty.
New research released from the supermarket reveals the extent of the period poverty crisis across Britain.
Over 1 in 3 of those who menstruate (41%) admit they are unable to afford to buy period products, and a third (30%) are faced with the decision of whether to buy period products or choose other essential items, such as food or clothing, for themselves and their family.
The research reveals that period products are being “shelved” in supermarkets across the country, left behind by those struggling to afford them in favour of milk (30%), fresh fruit and vegetables (29%), and bread (29%).
Others who prioritise buying tampons or pads find themselves sacrificing basics like household cleaning supplies (26%) and food staples such as eggs, bread, milk and cereal (all 18%) to afford them.
Clara Amfo, broadcaster and Bloody Good Period ambassador said: “Having been an ambassador for Bloody Good Period for the last two years, I am a firm believer that menstrual care is a basic human right.
“As a society, we need to ensure that we are making period products accessible and affordable for all.
“Aldi partnering with Bloody Good Period to raise awareness of period poverty and providing free products in their store toilets is a fantastic step in the right direction that will help millions across the country.”
The research also shows that 86% of those who menstruate agree that having free and consistent access to period products would improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “We never want our customers to have to choose between buying the period products they need and feeding themselves or their families.
“For millions of people across the country, having access to period products is a basic and essential need, and we believe the provision of these in public toilets is as vital as toilet paper and soap.
“We are proud to announce our toilets will have pads and tampons freely available for anyone who needs them.
“As well as providing for our customers, we are delighted to be partnering with leading charity, Bloody Good Period, who are doing groundbreaking work in the menstrual equity space.
“Our donation of 1 million period products to Bloody Good Period will help to ensure that people are getting the products they need every month.”
