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Woolworths backtracks on groceries promise to the elderly

Woolworths has announced it is unable to fulfil its promise to help the elderly get much needed, hard to come by essentials amid the coronavirus crisis.

The supermarket made attempts to support the vulnerable group amid the growing issue of bare shelves across Australia, as people continue to panic buy and hoard grocery items as coronavirus fears grip Australia, by providing them with ‘essential packs’.

In a statement to Yahoo News Australia, a Woolworths spokesperson confirmed the supermarket will be unable to provide the packs.

“On Monday, we announced with good intent that we will be putting together an essentials pack for the elderly which is meant to be available from tomorrow (Thursday),” the statement said.

“Unfortunately, due to the continued high demand, stock availability in our stores, and to avoid any disappointment, this is something that we will not be able to fulfil at this time.”

Empty fruit and vegetable shelves in an Australian supermarket after panic buying due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Source: Getty
Empty fruit and vegetable shelves in an Australian supermarket after panic buying due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Source: Getty

The spokesperson thanked the community for understanding during this “ever-evolving period” and apologised for any inconvenience the backtracking may cause.

It was also announced on Monday, Woolworths would have a dedicated shopping hour for the elderly and people with a disabilities.

The temporary measure remains in place until at least Friday.

The first day of the dedicated hour saw lines of elderly people lining up in the dark to get access to the store.

Customers who were there for the exclusive shopping experience recounted to Yahoo News Australia they were faced with empty shelves when they filed in to the store.

Claire Peters the managing director of Woolworths Supermarkets acknowledged the first day of the dedicated shopping hour “wasn’t perfect across all of our stores”.

General view outside a Woolworths in Sunbury as people wait outside on March 17, 2020 in Various Cities, Australia. Australian supermarket chains have announced special shopping hours for the elderly and people with disabilities
Woolworths has announced they are unable to provide elderly customers with 'essentials packs', due to low stock. Source: Getty

Supermarket buying limits

Over the past few days Woolworths has implemented restrictions on items to alleviate the problem.

As of Thursday, Woolworths has added chilled milk to their two items per customer, per shop list, which includes all items except fresh fruit and vegetables, meat (excluding mince), deli and bakery items, seafood, canned fish, drinks, baby food, yoghurts, easter confectionary, and pet food.

There is also a one pack per customer, per shop restriction on toilet paper, baby wipes, antibacterial wipes, paper towel, serviettes and rice (2kg and over).

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