Leeds foodbanks call for people to donate pads for men with bladder problems as well as tampons

As more people in Leeds and the UK become reliant on food banks - unfortunately - it’s vital people donate sanitary products over the festive season, says the founder of Leeds food bank the Right Choices Project.

From April 2019 to the end of March 2020, 41,000 people in Leeds had to use a food bank, which is a 23% increase from last year.

Figures from the Trussell Trust network show that there has been an average increase of 14.4% in those who rely on foodbanks since 2015; up 18.3% alone between 2019 and 2020.

As food banks become busier this Christmas, it’s important that people remember to donate personal hygiene products as well as food this year.

Cheryl Kebede, Founder of the Right Choices Project, a Headingley based charity that deals with food poverty, says: “A lot of people think it’s about food and festive things but it’s also about things people don't generally have.

“We would say 90% of what is donated is food, but we have had sanitary products sent to us with little metal cases with them, but it’s very few and far between.”

A typical food parcel contains items such as soup, cereal, pasta and other tinned goods. However, many people are often unaware that food banks also distribute other items such as baby supplies, toiletries and household items such as washing up liquid.

“Also, what about men?” asks Ms Kebede.

“Men do ask for pads for bladder problems, or after they have had certain operations relating to that, so it’s not just about women.

“We’ve had requests for pads, especially from people who have had prostate cancer and find that their bladder is weak. I’ve even gone out and bought some, as it’s not something that’s been requested before.”

Yoppie, pioneers of personalised, organic period care, has also asked for more people to add period products to their donations over the festive season.

Due to the amount people overlook these items, they are often one of the most in-demand items required for food banks.

“Many are particularly reliant on charitable donations at this time of year and food banks play a vital role in helping those in need. However, while the nation goes above and beyond when donating, sanitary products are often overlooked despite being an essential item for many women,” says Founder of Yoppie, Daniella Peri.

“A lack of access to period care is one of the leading causes of period poverty and this is intensified during the festive season as many shops shut for Christmas.

So we urge those donating to food banks to think a little bit outside of the box and pick up some of the other in-demand items to donate over the next few weeks, including tampons and pads.”

For more information about the Right Choices Project, visit their website to find out how you can help people struggling in and around Leeds.

To find out more about Yoppie and their journey to help educate people on how to access menstrual care, visit their accounts.