Tesco has confirmed that customers unable to afford sanitary products can ask for a 'white envelope' in its stores to get them for free. The scheme aims to help tackle period poverty and support those who are affected by it.
Shoppers said they have noticed placed in store toilets - leading to questions about whether the scheme is legitimate and where it is running.
The signs were said to read: "To combat period poverty, Tesco want to ensure everyone has access to sanitary products. If you are in need, please go to the customer service desk and ask for a white envelope. No questions will be asked", My London reports.
When asked by a Twitter user if the scheme is legitimate, Tesco responded: "To answer your question, yes this is correct, all a customer needs to do is to ask at our customer services and there will be no questions asked. It's in an effort to tackle period poverty as they are given free of charge."
Twitter user @TraceletteBrown said the scheme was a "well kept secret!" They said: "What an amazingly well kept secret!!! Not one female I've asked knew this, shame that really......"
@02pash shared the news with the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Group Facebook group - again many did not know about the scheme and praised Tesco for having it. One said it was "bloody brilliant".
It is thought some stores may have launched the scheme under a different name. In September 2022, another poster at an unidentified Tesco branch promoting the 'Ask for Beth' scheme was shared on Twitter. It read: “If you are in need of sanitary products, please go to our customer service desk and ask for a bag Beth has left for you. You will be given a free package with everything you need."
It follows a similar initiative launched by Morrison in 2021. The scheme, which began in Bolton but was later implemented nationwide, gives two single sanitary towels in a brown paper bag to those who ask the Morrisons' customer service desk for a "package for Sandy".
