A KINGSTEIGNTON store has teamed up with leading suppliers to tackle hygiene poverty.

Tesco has again joined forces with its suppliers of well-known household brands such as Radox, Sure, Bodyform and Aquafresh to help distribute millions of personal care items to people who are in need.

For every two purchases by shoppers at Kingsteignton Tesco Superstore from a selection of essential hygiene products, its suppliers will donate a third hygiene item directly to the charity In Kind Direct.

Products will be distributed to charities, community groups, foodbanks and schools to get much-needed hygiene products into the hands of people who need them.

Recent research showed 21 per cent of households with dependents are going without hygiene products such as shampoo or deodorant.

The survey also found people who struggled to buy hygiene products have had to borrow from friends or family or used free products in public areas.

Rosanne Gray, CEO at In Kind Direct, said: ‘We know hygiene poverty disproportionately affects those already struggling, but the research shows financial difficulties are now impacting everyone.

‘The ripple effect impacts mental health, workplace productivity and school attendance – it’s something that requires collective action which is why we’ve formed this partnership with Tesco and some of our partners to help reduce hygiene poverty.’

Thomas Maier, Category Buying Manager for Beauty and Personal Care at Tesco, added: ‘This new research highlights how the number of families being impacted by hygiene poverty has grown in recent years.’

The campaign is running at Kingsteignton Tesco Superstore until June 11.