Aldi is giving away two products for free but only to women | Personal Finance | Finance

Aldi said 70% of its 1,050 UK’s in-store toilets would be providing free period products including tampons and sanitary products. It said the rollout which involved putting fixtures in the stores, would be completed by the end of May. Aldi said a survey had shown 41% of women who menstruated were unable to afford period products, with 15% saying this was ‘very often’ or ‘always’ the case.

Three in 10 said they were having to choose between buying period products and other everyday essentials, such as food and clothing, or paying household bills. Aldi has partnered with the menstrual charity, Bloody Good Period, and is also donating over one million period products to help tackle period poverty. Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi, said: “We never want our customers to have to choose between buying the period products they need and feeding themselves or their families,” said Aldi UK chief commercial officer.

“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.”

Research from the supermarket reveals the extent of the period poverty crisis across Britain, with over 1 in 3 of those who menstruate (41%) admitting they are unable to afford to buy period products, and a third (30%) are being 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 revealed 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.

However, for the 2 in 3 (63%) that still find themselves without access, they’re having to use a substitute item, such as toilet paper (62%) and kitchen roll (31%) – or in some cases, old underwear (15%) or newspaper (7%).

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.

Jo Atkins-Potts, head of communications and campaigns at Bloody Good Period, said period poverty was one of the most overlooked crises in the UK today.

“It goes far beyond the inability to afford products – it’s about the dignity, health, and wellbeing of millions of people. At Bloody Good Period, we see firsthand how these choices between food and period products, or between shame and asking for help are devastating lives.

WThis partnership with Aldi marks an important step towards addressing period poverty on a national scale, and we hope it inspires others to take action. Access to period products is not a luxury; it’s a basic human right.”