Aldi is introducing free access to period pads and tampons in all its in-store toilets, in recognition the products are a basic need which many struggle to afford.
Starting today, 70% of Aldi’s in-store toilets have gained fixtures providing free period products, in a supermarket first. A rollout to all its customer toilets – found in roughly 70% of its 1,050 UK stores – is due to have completed by the end of May.
Aldi said a survey had shown 41% of people who menstruate 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 also partnered with menstrual equity charity, Bloody Good Period, and is donating over one million period products to help tackle period poverty.
“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 Julie Ashfield.
“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.”
The survey – conducted by Focaldata on a sample of 1,000 people who menstruate – found that 30% faced the decision of whether to buy period products or other essential items, such as food or clothing. Some were choosing not to buy period products so they could get milk (30%), fresh fruit and vegetables (29%), or bread (29%).
Others choosing to prioritise buying tampons or pads found themselves sacrificing basics like household cleaning supplies (26%) and food staples such as eggs, bread, milk and cereal (all 18%) to afford them.
Ashfield added: “As well as providing for our customers, we are delighted to be partnering with leading charity, Bloody Good Period, who are doing groundbreaking work in the menstrual equity space. Our donation of one million period products to Bloody Good Period will help to ensure that people are getting the products they need every month.”
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.”
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