Lidl Ireland have announced they will offer free period products in stores nationwide in a move that is aimed at combatting period poverty.

Becoming the first major retailer in the world to offer free period products, Lidl will be teaming up with Homeless Period Ireland for the initiative which will begin next month. In a statement, the company said 'A Plan International study on young females in Ireland found that almost 50 per cent of girls aged between 12 and 19 found it difficult to pay for sanitary products. 'Our new initiative means those in need will be able to claim a dedicated coupon for a free box of sanitary pads or tampons per customer each month through the Lidl Plus app.' https://www.instagram.com/p/CN11NYyqlKS/ Lidl is also committing to quarterly donations of these products to The Simon Communities to ensure people experiencing homelessness, and who may not have access to a smartphone, can avail of the initiative. Today's statement added that 'as a long-time sponsor of Ladies Gaelic Football Association and supporter of women in sport, we are working with the LGFA to provide free female hygiene products in its clubs across the country with hopes to reach thousands of women and young girls who may not have access the these products on a regular basis. In addition, we will continue to provide free access to these products for its workforce.' You can read about Lidl's initiative in more detail here. (header pic: Lidl Ireland)