‘Keep an eye out!’ Tesco customer urges shoppers as supermarket is giving away boxes of Tampax for free
WOMEN will spend almost £4,000 on period products over their lives, making them an under-the-radar but necessary expense.
And even with the hated tampon tax being abolished in 2021, the cost of sanitary products is still a big burden.
Luckily, supermarkets are doing what they can to offset some of the cost.
That includes Tesco, which is currently giving away free boxes of tampons worth over £3 to lucky customers.
Women have urged shoppers to “keep an eye on receipts” from the supermarket, as you may be given a voucher for one.
“Keep an eye on your receipts from Tesco,” Georgie Roux urged on Facebook.
“We just bought a shirt and got this voucher for free Tampax Pearl Compak worth £3.35.”
According to Tesco’s website, the Tampax Pearl Compak 16-packs are currently in a sponsorship with the supermarket.
Shoppers on social media were quick to point out that even if you didn’t need the box yourself, somebody else likely will.
“We had this the other day,” Emma James said.
“For people that get the voucher and don’t need the product please, still get it and donate it the food bank or baby bank.
“Someone will always be grateful.”
”Even if you don’t use them, get them and donate to women’s hostels,” Davina Craske echoed.
Period poverty puts the health of many women and girls in Britain at risk, with campaigners saying that the “average cost of a period in the UK over a year is £500”.
In August 2017 Tesco became the first British supermarket to effectively scrap the Tampon Tax by covering the 5 per cent VAT itself.
What is period poverty?
CAMPAIGNERS say many women and girls cannot afford sanitary products, putting their health at risk.
The average woman spends more than £150 a year.
In June 2018, MP Danielle Rowley shocked the House of Commons by announcing she was on her period while calling on ministers to help women who are trapped in “period poverty”.
She said: “I would like to raise with you today and to the House, and perhaps you’ll excuse me for my lateness, that today I’m on my period – and it’s cost me this week already £25.
“We know the average cost of a period in the UK over a year is £500 – many women can’t afford this. What is the minister doing to address period poverty?”
Equalities minister Victoria Atkins said the Government was ploughing £1.5million into projects educating young people.
She also said VAT would be scrapped as soon as Britain leaves the EU.
Research by the maker of Always products showed a fifth of UK parents struggled to afford sanitary protection for their daughters.
And more than 135,000 girls miss out on school each year because of period poverty.
“Tampax Pearl Compak tampons are Tampax’s best tampons for comfort, protection and discretion,” a blurb on the free tampons reads on Tesco’s website.
“Tampax Pearl Compak tampons come with a compact and discreet smooth plastic applicator and rounded tip for comfortable insertion.
“Its contoured ‘Anti-Slip Grip’ makes the applicator easy to hold and position.
“Tampax Pearl Compak has MotionFit technology that gently expands to fit your body’s unique shape.
“Additionally, there is a LeakGuard braid that helps stop leaks before they happen.”
The tampons have been gynaecologically tested and are free from fragrances.