North East-based commercial hygiene and washroom provider NWR Hygiene has pledged support to the Newcastle West End Foodbank.
Inspired by campaigns to raise awareness of period poverty, NWR Hygiene has committed to supplying the food bank with over 2000 sanitary towels and tampons over the course of a year, helping to support those who are struggling to access feminine hygiene products.
The Newcastle West End Foodbank operates a network of 7 distribution hubs across the Newcastle city region, providing food parcels, meals and welfare assistance to those experiencing difficulties affording food and everyday hygiene products.
Chris Lowery, Managing Director of NWR Hygiene, said, “As providers of washroom products and facilities, we are pleased that we can use our position to help support females access essential hygiene products. With the cost of living impacting the affordability of even the most basic of products, we are pleased that we can work with the Newcastle West End Foodbank to support their work”.
The foodbank, part of a nationwide network of foodbanks supported by The Trussell Trust, is experiencing unprecedented high demands for help and support. Between April 2022 and December 2022, the Food Bank dealt with 44,700 cases of crisis, of which 17,600 were children living in poor and low-income households.
With 5,000 people on average visiting distribution hubs each month, an increase of 1,500 more each month compared to the previous year ending March 2022, the organisation welcomes support from its communities.
Laura Willis, Administrator at the Newcastle West End Foodbank, said: “We are delighted with the support we are receiving from NWR Hygiene. With the increasing financial challenges that individuals, couples and families face, we are grateful for any one-off donations or ongoing support that individuals and businesses can provide. We are working hard to combat poverty and hunger in our region, and it is with support such as this from NWR Hygiene, we can continue to provide the levels of help required by those in need”.
