Aldi has issued a reminder that free period products are available in all its UK store toilets, as schools and colleges prepare to close for the summer holidays. The discount supermarket aims to address period poverty, particularly for students who may lose access to free products during the break.
Research Highlights Period Poverty Among Students
Research commissioned by Aldi found that nearly a quarter (24%) of secondary school-aged girls have struggled to afford or access period products. Almost half (49%) said they had resorted to unsafe alternatives like toilet roll or tissue, while 29% had worn products longer than recommended.
The reminder comes as students in England and Wales may have reduced access to free period products during the holidays, when many education settings that provide them are closed. In Scotland, where most schools closed earlier in July, places are required to offer free products year-round through public venues like libraries and community hubs.
Free Products Available Year-Round
Aldi has provided over 1.4 million free period products in the past year. The items are kept in designated holders or baskets inside customer toilets, allowing private access. If stock is empty, customers can notify staff without needing to explain why.
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: "Access to period products should be a basic right, not a privilege. Period poverty remains a very real issue for many people across the UK, which is why we’ve made free period products available in all our store toilets for customers and colleagues. As schools and colleges close for the holidays, some students may lose access to the free products they rely on. We want people to know they can visit their local Aldi and take what they need, no questions asked. We’d also encourage other retailers to help make free period products more widely available, particularly during the school holidays."
Wider Commitment to Communities
Beyond in-store offerings, the Welsh Government provides widespread access through the Period Dignity in Wales scheme, with products available in community hubs, leisure centres, libraries, and GP surgeries. Aldi has also donated one million period products to charities like Freedom4Girls and offers in-store donation points for customers to contribute, with items distributed via its partner Neighbourly.
