Supermarket chain to tackle period poverty by offering free period products
Lidl Ireland today announced that it is to become the first major retailer in the world to offer free period products in its stores in partnership with Homeless Period Ireland and the Simon Community.
The discount supermarket chain said the initiative was aimed at tackling period poverty.
It will involve a dedicated coupon for a free box of sanitary pads or tampons per customer each month through its app, Lidl Plus.
It has also committed to making quarterly donations of these products to The Simon Communities to ensure people experiencing homelessness - who may not have access to a smartphone - can access these essential products.
Lidl sponsors the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and said it was also working with the LGFA to provide free period products through clubs.
A study by the advocacy charity Plan International found that almost 50 per cent of girls aged between 12 and 19 in Ireland found it difficult to pay for sanitary products.
"I'm delighted that Lidl Ireland have partnered with Homeless Period Ireland in order to take meaningful action against period poverty in Ireland," said Claire Hunt, Founder of Homeless Period Ireland.
"This initiative will ensure that those most in need will have the ability to access suitable period products.
"In a first world country like ours no one should have to choose between feeding themselves and their family or buying period products."
Carla Rowe, the Dublin footballer and Lidl LGFA Brand Ambassador said there had long been a stigma around menstruation in the public sphere, particularly when competing in sport
"I'm delighted to see Lidl tackle this topic head on, raising awareness and supporting women and girls affected by this issue across the country," she said.
Starting from April 19, 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 May 3, and then ongoing on monthly basis.