Lidl’s initiative to fight period poverty
Lidl has teamed up with Homeless Period Ireland to offer free period products to women and girls in need
Women experiencing period poverty in Ireland will be able to pick up free period products in Lidl stores nationwide from next month.
Lidl Ireland is the first major retailer in the world to offer free period products in store, as part of a partnership with Homeless Period Ireland and The Simon Communities of Ireland.
Period poverty is described as the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, toilets, hand washing facilities, and, or, waste management, is a growing issue in Ireland particularly since the onset of the pandemic.
A Plan International study on young females in Ireland found that almost 50 per cent of girls aged between 12 and 19 found it difficult to pay for sanitary products. Lidl’s new initiative comes in advance of anticipated Irish legislation and implementation of supporting measures.
Customers in need can claim a free box of sanitary pads or tampons each month from May.
Starting 19 April, those looking to get urgent access to period products can download Lidl’s app, Lidl Plus, and sign up to receive a free monthly coupon which they will receive on 3 May and then ongoing on monthly basis.
Lidl has also committed to quarterly donations of period products to The Simon Communities to ensure people experiencing homelessness who may not have access to a smartphone, can access these essential products.
