Lidl Ireland will start to offer free period products to their customers from next month as part of a new programme targeting period poverty.
The scheme was announced on Monday, it will allow people who menstruate to access free period products through a coupon on the Lidl Plus app.
From April 19th, people have been able to sign up to receive monthly coupons which can be used from May 3rd across 178 stores.
Lidl said that this will make them the “first major retailer in the world” to offer free period products in stores.
They will also make quarterly donations to the Simon Communities in Ireland to make sure people who might not have access to a smartphone can also access the free products.
Lidl will be working with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association to provide period products to clubs around the country, while also providing their workforce with the products.
Period poverty refers to the inability to access period products, toilets, waste management or hygiene services. This is experienced by between 53,000 and 85,000 Irish people every year.
According to Plan International, 50% of girls aged between 12 and 19 found it difficult to pay for sanitary products. Additionally, 10% of girls have reported using unsuitable alternatives to period products, such as toilet paper.
You can register for a free box of pads or tampons here, where you will then be sent a coupon monthly that is accessed through the Lidl Plus app.