A welcome initiative amidst growing concern about period poverty during the pandemic.

This morning, retail giant Lidl revealed that they are the first major retailer in the world to offer free sanitary products in stores across the country.

Teaming up with Homeless Period Ireland and The Simon Community, they noted that the new initiative means that people will have access to a box of free sanitary pads or tampons each month through the Lidl Plus app.

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.

The initiative starts today (April 19 2021) and monthly vouchers will be made available from May 3 on an ongoing monthly basis.

It comes after A Plan International study found that close to 50 per cent of girls aged between 12 and 19 found it difficult to afford sanitary products.

Lidl also responded to valid concerns about the accessibility of the program for vulnerable people without access to the internet:

Those experiencing homelessness can avail of the program through The Simon Communities and through local LGFA Clubs.

The news comes after Scotland became the first country in the world to offer free sanitary products to those who need them. New Zealand also made sanitary products available in schools across the country for free in February this year.

To sign up for the Period Product Support Programme Click here.

Elsewhere on District: Here’s 21 albums we can’t wait for in 2021.