Why we’re asking for your help

We often talk about how at Glasgow South West Foodbank we supply more than food to our service users.

One of the things we provide is access to free period products. A basic essential that we believe should be accessible to anyone menstruating in 2026.

To huge fanfare, Scotland has been touted as the world leader in tackling period poverty by making period products legally free to anyone who needs them through the Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Bill. A world first!

Unfortunately, Government policy is often great on paper but less so 'on the ground'. We are still seeing people dealing with period poverty, the very thing the bill was supposed to eradicate.

The reality for people we support

This is sadly something we hear a lot. Wearing products for longer than recommended increases the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, bacterial or yeast infections and skin irritation. People shouldn't have to put their health at risk like this.

We often find our service users both surprised and really pleased to be able to get period products at the foodbank, it takes another 'How can I afford this?' off their plate when they're already dealing with a crisis.

But what about the free Government products?

There are limited places that you can access them and, as far as we have experienced, they are only available in small quantities. They are also only available in one size or strength. Regular.

We are lucky in that we do get some period products supplied to us, through Glasgow City Council, funded by the Scottish Government.

We get no say in the type or quantity of product supplied. This often leads us to having a completely imbalanced offering for people to access. We have just taken delivery of our '6 month supply' of products from Glasgow City Council and it is primarily tampons, all regular absorbency and all in boxes of 3. Is it really a dignified solution to the problem of period poverty to ask someone to scoop up boxes and boxes of 3 tampons to last out their cycle if they are a heavy bleeder? That's if they can even use internal products.

Periods vary wildly from person to person and from month to month, the one size fits all distribution currently being used is not suitable and is not effectively tackling the issue of period poverty.

Where your money will go

We are a small, local, independent charity. Every pound you donate genuinely counts.

Your donation will help us provide:

* Period products of different sizes, strengths and types

* Hygiene products such as soap and shower gel

* Dignified access to these products in a safe, judgement free space

Please donate if you can

If you’re able to support this appeal, your donation will directly help local people access the products they need.

Thank you for helping us support people in need in our community.