What happened when I asked for ‘a package for Sandy’ in four Morrisons stores

I’ve seen lots of low key schemes and initiatives whereby customers may discreetly ask a member of staff or a bartender for help if they feel unsafe, or need assistance calling emergency services.

But did you know that there’s also an initiative where people who are on their period can get free sanitary towels in their local Morrisons?

The ‘package for Sandy’ initiative was launched last year, following other schemes such as Ask for Ani, which allows shoppers to use the code word at Boots pharmacys if they are seeking help from domestic violence, and Ask for Angela, which is used in clubs, pubs and bars for drinkers feeling unsafe on a date.

READ MORE: I compared period product prices at seven supermarkets and was stunned by costs

The Package for Sandy scheme was created by Morrisons community champion, Emma Parkinson, in response to period poverty at her local store in Bolton. Following a trial, the initiative is now available in 497 stores, with the supermarket distributing a further 125,000 sanitary products to local charities in a bid to 'end period poverty'.

She said: “Period poverty is a real problem and going to a school in a predominantly low-income area gave me an insight into what it’s like to have no access to sanitary wear. It’s shocking that young girls and women go without sanitary products through no fault of their own so I’m really pleased that we at Morrisons can help to support those in need across the whole of the UK.”

It can be really quite distressing to realise you’ve just come on your period in a public place, and there’d be no chance of escaping the supermarket with a full food shop without forgetting a few important items because you were stressing about leaking onto your jeans.

That’s without