Women in poverty have been found using newspapers and socks instead of unaffordable sanitary products, says a shocking new report from a charity-led local foodbank.
The Trussell Trust runs 425 foodbanks throughout the country and says the situation is desperate for many women.
Salford Central Foodbank in Lower Broughton is now calling for crisis donations of toilet paper, sanitary towels, shampoo and deodorant.
In the last 12 months local people have donated an incrdible 23 tonnes of food. Over 90 per cent of donations come from kind-hearted individuals and local businesses.
But there are other essential items which are in short supply, says foodbank manager Mark Whittington.
Read: Monton estate agents Eggstatic with Adrian Chiles Easter foodbank donation
Read: Salford firms step in with 300kg of food
“It’s natural that the first thing people think to donate to us is food, but we see a huge need for sanitary products and things like toilet roll and shampoo.
“As if not having enough money to put food on the family table isn’t bad enough, mums and teenage daughters have to face an extra, humiliating loss of dignity on top of that, just because it’s the wrong time of the month.
“That’s why we’re encouraging local people to donate these basic and essential, but often expensive, sanitary products to the foodbank.
“Whenever we give out sanitary products, women are visibly relieved and their faces light up.
“It’s heartbreaking to see, but also so important that we recognize this stark need, and work together to – help women and girls to feel human again when they’ve hit rock bottom.”
In 2015, the foodbank provided 3,269 three-day emergency food supplies to local people in crisis.
Donations can be dropped off at Sainsburys on Regent Road, Ordsall, at Tesco Extra in Pendleton, Salford precinct, and direct to Salford Central Foodbank, Christ Central, Mocha Parade (please call on 0161 637 4500 beforehand).
Like what we do? Want to see us continue? Please help with our community campaign to keep SalfordOnline.com online!
