Sanitary tokens or vouchers were considered before free scheme

The minister for social security said it aimed to make it "as easy as possible" to obtain products

Ministers considered giving vouchers or tokens to people in Jersey struggling with the cost of menstrual products.

The minister for social security deputy Elaine Millar said the options were considered before deciding to make free products available across the island.

She said the move aimed to make it "as easy as possible" to get products - avoiding an unnecessary added step.

In October, the scheme was described as "disrespectful to women" because some dispensers were not being stocked.

Supermarket boss Mark Cox, the Channel Islands Co-op CEO, said at the time the scheme was "clearly not efficient" - but Ms Millar says the scheme is "working effectively".

She said: "Seeking to identify period poverty would also not have met our objectives of ensuring dignity and reducing stigma relating to periods.

"As well as making period products available to collect in a wide range of locations, our pilot has included engagement with organisations and charities, such as foodbanks, who work with people who may encounter period poverty."