Woolworths stores across Australia will begin on Tuesday an hour dedicated for the vulnerable members of our community.
Plus, due to ‘extraordinary’ demand, they will be suspending its pickup and home delivery service.
With people rushing to equip themselves for potential self-isolation in the wake of COVID-19, many household necessities have run dry, causing many to rush to supermarkets early in a bid to shop early and be first to stock.
Sadly, the kind of panic buying we are seeing has left our community’s most vulnerable – the aged and disabled – missing out on groceries.
Thankfully Woolworths have come to the party to the need by running special hours from tomorrow until at least Friday, between 7-8am.
Access will be granted if the shopper has a relevant government issued concession card. All other shoppers will be granted access after 8am.
Home delivery suspended
Additionally, Woolworths will stop home delivery of orders in a bid to get stock back onto the shelves in store. They have begun processing refunds, saying it has hoped to restart online orders ASAP.
Claire Peter, Managing Director of Woolworths has said the company is working to restock shelves, however in the meantime it needed to ensure vulnerable people are not going hungry.
“We know many of our elderly customers have been missing out on essential items when they shop,” she said.
“This temporary measure will give them, and those with a disability, the opportunity to shop before ​our stores officially open – helping them obtain the ​essential ​items they need most in a less crowded environment.
“We continue to encourage all Australians to be mindful of those in our communities who might need extra help at this time. Now – more than ever – we need to be kind to each other, especially to those most vulnerable.”
Partners with Meals on Wheels
Additionally, Woolworths are now working with Meals on Wheels in NSW to deliver toilet paper directly to the elderly in the community.
On Sunday, Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton called for people to ensure they had a two-week supply of food at home.
