Swindon’s Tesco stores are helping to address the escalating issue of hygiene poverty, leading the charge alongside a number of suppliers of household brands.
In a bid to provide essential hygiene items to those facing financial hardship, Tesco has partnered with Unilever, Essity, Haleon, Kimberly-Clark, and Edgewell. Together, they pledge to distribute personal care products to individuals in need within the Swindon community.
For every two qualifying purchases made by shoppers at one of Swindon Tesco stores from a selection of vital hygiene products, the partnering suppliers will generously donate a third hygiene item directly to charity organisation In Kind Direct. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals and families struggling with hygiene poverty have access to the necessary products for their well-being.
In Kind Direct plays a pivotal role in the distribution process, collaborating with charities, community groups, foodbanks, and schools to deliver these hygiene essentials to those who require help.
Recent research commissioned by Essity, in partnership with Tesco and In Kind Direct, has illustrated how Swindon people are currently experiencing hygiene poverty.
Families are often impacted, and this survey revealed that 21% of households with dependents in the region have gone without hygiene products such as shampoo or deodorant.
The survey also found that those people across the region who have struggled to buy hygiene products during the last year have had to borrow from friends or family (29%) or used free products in public areas (29%).
Rosanne Gray, CEO at In Kind Direct, said: “Many people experiencing hygiene poverty face the impossible decision to heat, eat or keep clean on a daily basis, and unfortunately more and more people are being pushed into this position.
“We know hygiene poverty disproportionately affects those already struggling, but the research shows that financial difficulties are now impacting everyone.
“The ripple effect impacts mental health, workplace productivity and school attendance – it’s something that requires collective action which is why we’ve formed this partnership with Tesco and some of our committed corporate partners to help reduce hygiene poverty.”
Thomas Maier, Category Buying Manager for Beauty and Personal Care at Tesco, echoed Gray’s sentiments, commenting on the growing impact of hygiene poverty on families and the critical role of initiatives like In Kind Direct in alleviating this burden.
The campaign, operating in local Tesco superstores, will continue until 11th June.
