A FOODBANK has issued a desperate plea for donations of female sanitary products.

The Glasgow North East Foodbank in Shettleston said it had also run out of other basic toiletries including shampoo, shaving cream and razors.

The Trussell Trust, which runs the foodbank, is currently carrying out research at all of its 52 foodbanks to determine the scale of so-called 'period poverty' and has called for sanitary items to be provided free to women on working-age benefits.

The charity said there was anecdotal evidence that women are using toilet paper, newspaper and even socks in place of the products and that some young girls from low-income families are missing school because they can't afford sanitary products.

Terry Gerry, who volunteers at the Shettleston foodbank, said: “It’s quite upsetting when we have to state to the persons attending the foodbank that we cannot assist them with these most important items, simply because we do not have any in our store.

“We all have our dignity, and with your help, we could again be of assistance in this department.

Labour politician Monica Lennon has pledged to launch a Member’s Bill in the coming months aimed at helping women and girls who cannot currently access or afford sanitary products.

Her proposals include the provision of sanitary products in schools and the introduction of an anonymous system through health boards to provide products to anyone who needs them.

The issue is now being investigated by communities minister Angela Constance, who has said she will look at the possibility of introducing an “S-card” similar to the existing C-Card for free access to condoms.

Lyndsay Cochrane, Scotland Network Assistant for the Trussell Trust, said: “We know that most, if not all, foodbanks have recognised the need to provide items other than food, such as nappies and toiletries including feminine hygiene products.

“There have been anecdotes shared of women who, unable to afford sanitary pads or tampons, have used toilet paper, newspaper and even socks in place of these products.

The foodbank is open every Friday afternoon at Killin Street from 2pm to 4pm, where donations can be taken or email terry.gerry@btinternet.com