Laura Jarman, Bankueteer

“Psst, mate… I’ve come on! Have you got anything?”

Many will have been there. Your period sneaks up on you and catches you off guard, sending you on an immediate hunt for an ally with the necessary supplies.

But did you know that 1 in 10 girls in the UK simply cannot afford to buy menstrual products?

‘Period poverty’ is explained as being unable to afford or access sanitary items due to financial constraints. Alongside rising deprivation levels, it's a concerning issue that has been gradually growing in the UK in recent years.

And since the arrival of the Coronavirus pandemic, the amount of people across the country experiencing period poverty has shot up rapidly. Lockdowns, stockpiling and the closure of schools and community services (previously providing sanitary supplies to those in need) have all played their part in exacerbating the problem.

Disparity despair

You don’t need to be a regular Bankuet supporter to be aware that there’s a prevalent hunger issue in the UK. Although we’re the seventh richest country in the world, we’re home to more than 14 million people living in poverty and over 2,000 food banks. The stats speak for themselves.

And, much like other areas of society, poverty doesn’t have a good gender parity story to tell. Evidence shows us that women continue to be more likely to live in poverty than men, with single women most at risk. Gender disparities grow further when taking race into account - did you know a quarter of BAME mothers are reported to have struggled to feed their children during the Coronavirus crisis?

Latest Trussell Trust findings show that people using food banks have an average of £50 per week for all other essential costs. So it’s not surprising that if you’re unable to afford food, buying period products is simply not your priority. It's feeding yourself and your kids. It’s battling arrears to keep a roof over your head. It’s struggling to stay safe, warm and dry.

So where do food banks come into it?

Here at Bankuet we believe no-one in the UK should be going hungry. And with 88% of the public thinking hunger is a problem in the UK, we know we’re not alone.

We also know it's not just about food. Our online platform turns your generous contributions into the supplies that our partners require most; including toiletries and hygiene products, which aren't among commonly donated items.

By choosing to donate through Bankuet, you’re helping food banks get what they need, when they need it. The Bankuet model avoids wastage and harnesses the power of bulk buying to maximise every pound you give.

Delivering dignity in crisis

The causes and consequences of poverty are undeniably affected by gender. We know that women are, and have always been, more likely to experience economic insecurity than men. And unlike many workplaces, poverty doesn't have a 5-year gender parity action plan...

But a problem of disparity and division requires a united solution. This International Women's Day, let's work together to provide people in crisis - regardless of gender - with dignity at a time when it's needed most.

Want to play your part? Help Bankuet get food banks what they need, when they need it.