Lidl Ireland to provide free sanitary products in effort to combat period poverty

Making the announcement on social media earlier this morning, Lidl confirmed that they’re the first major retailer in the world to offer free period products in their stores. Explaining a little behind the initiative, a post over on their Instagram feed says that they’ve teamed up with Homeless Period Ireland for the project. 

“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.

“Our new initiative means those in need will be able to claim a dedicated coupon for a free box of sanitary pads or tampons per customer each month through the Lidl Plus app.”

According to the new initiative, customers will be able to claim a dedicated coupon entitling them to a free box of sanitary pads or tampons via the Lidl Plus app each month. Launching just this morning, those wishing to make use of the scheme can do so by downloading the app and signing up to receive the free monthly coupon – with the first one arriving on May 3. 

Going one step further in their commitment to helping to end period poverty, Lidl will also make quarterly donations of sanitary products to The Simon Communities. 

“We’re proud to announce that we are the first major retailer in the world to offer free period products in stores nationwide to combat period poverty in partnership with Homeless Period Ireland.

We’re proud to announce that we are the first major retailer in the world to offer free period products in stores nationwide to combat period poverty in partnership with Homeless Period Ireland.

Find out more: https://t.co/bvgYzb6nnx pic.twitter.com/6cee08u65P

— Lidl Ireland (@lidl_ireland) April 19, 2021

“We are also committing to quarterly donations of these products to The Simon Communities to ensure people experiencing homelessness – who may not have access to a smartphone – can access essential products.”

A long-time sponsor of Ladies Gaelic Football Association, the retailer is currently working with the LGFA to provide free sanitary products to clubs across Ireland.

In November, Scotland became the first country in the world to offer free period products to those experiencing period poverty, with New Zealand quickly following suit soon after. Customers can find out more about the initiative and sign up to receive their free coupon over on the Lidl website by clicking here.

Photo via Getty