Nearly £2,500 worth of sanitary products and nappies have been stolen from a food bank in Greater Manchester, in what has been described as a significant setback for the area’s fight against period poverty.

The items, which had been donated by Aldi to help women on low incomes, are thought to have been stolen from the Mocha Parade storage unit in Lower Broughton, Salford, on Saturday. The thieves also made a failed attempt to break into the nearby food bank.

Tom Togher, from Salford Citizens Advice, which helped secure the donation, said staff were in tears after they heard the news.

“People who come to the food bank often tell us they have not eaten in three days,” he said. “They are absolutely on the breadline and if they can’t afford food they can’t afford nappies and sanitary products.

“This generous donation would have eased the pressure on hundreds of women and families across the city. We are just stunned that anyone could sink so low as to steal from a food bank.”

Salford Foodshare said on Twitter that the theft was “a major setback to our period poverty project”.

SalfordFoodshare (@SalfordFSN) Very sad to report that out stock of sanitary products and nappies has been stolen. We had distributed much of it, but this is still a major setback to our period poverty project. We will make a full statement on Monday. Tom Togher, 0161 212 4406.

Salford’s mayor, Paul Dennett, said it was one of the most despicable thefts he had ever come across. “Those responsible must have known the items were there and planned this theft because we believe they used a van to carry away their haul,” he said.

“It beggars belief that people would sink so low as to steal from a food bank knowing those items are for people who are in desperate need. To also steal sanitary pads, tampons and nappies donated to help women and children struggling to maintain their personal hygiene and dignity shows these people have no conscience.”

Dennett said anybody who was offered Aldi nappies or sanitary products and had suspicions should report it to the police. “Don’t let these people get away with this appalling crime,” he said.

The council is arranging new, more secure storage for the food bank and has set up a collection point at the Salford Civic Centre from 9am-4pm weekdays for anyone who wants to help replace some of the stolen items.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “We are working closely with Salford city council and will replace the products in support of the 10% Better [anti-poverty] campaign.”



