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Woolworths' new checkout option to support flood-hit customers

Woolworths will begin offering shoppers the opportunity to round up the total cost of their groceries at the checkout in a fundraising effort for people affected by the NSW floods.

The supermarket announced the initiative on Tuesday, revealing customers who spent more than $30 in Woolworths stores or $15 in Metro stores would be asked to round up their total to the nearest dollar.

Money raised would be donated to The Salvation Army, which is a partner of Woolworths' S.T.A.N.D (Support Through Australian Natural Disasters) program.

A photo of a Woolworths store front.
Shoppers will be asked to round their grocery totals to the nearest dollar starting on Wednesday. Source: Getty Images

The supermarket has donated $100,000 and will call on shoppers to contribute to this fund from Wednesday to Sunday.

Customers in NSW and the ACT will be presented the option when checking out in store.

“In times of crisis it is so important that we act quickly and work better together to support those in our community who are most in need," Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said.

“Through the Woolworths S.T.A.N.D program, we partner with The Salvation Army, Foodbank, Lifeline and Rural Aid to ensure they can perform the vital role of providing practical on ground assistance and emotional support to communities during times of disaster.”

Customers can also donate Everyday Rewards dollars to Woolworths charity partners, including S.T.A.N.D, in the form of an eGift card.

Stores close over stock issues

An update on depleted stock levels in flood-affected stores was also provided, with the Kempsey supermarket and BIG W having to shut their doors indefinitely.

Woolworths Taree will continue to operate, but with reduced hours.

"With weather conditions causing some delivery delays due to road blockages or extended travel times, you may notice your local store is experiencing partial out of stocks, and reduced online shopping window availability," Mr Banducci said.

An overflowing Hawkesbury River is pictured.
Supermarket stocks have been low due delivery complications caused by flooding, like at the Windsor Bridge (pictured) on the Hawkesbury River. Source: Getty Images

"I need to stress that we have plenty of stock and any out of stocks are purely delivery related. We apologise and thank you for your patience as we continue to re-route deliveries from alternate locations and send trucks via safer routes due to dangerous road conditions in some parts of the state."

Coles to airdrop supplies

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud revealed during Tuesday morning's Question Time Coles had indicated it would be flying essential supplies to its North Richmond store.

"I can advise the House, I have only just been advised by Coles that they intend to helicopter goods into North Richmond's store this afternoon," he said.

"As soon as arrangements can be made we will continue to make sure that mechanism is worked through in every community where there are shortages, where we are unable to get trucks or boats across to support these communities in their hour of need."

Shoppers can also donate at Coles

Coles will also be offering customers the opportunity to donate in stores in support of not-for-profit organisation GIVIT's effort in providing emergency and household items to people in flood-affected communities.

The supermarket has donated $100,000 and has pledged to match all donations made by customers dollar-for-dollar up to $900,000. Shoppers across Australia can begin donating from Wednesday.

Money raised will contribute to GIVIT being able to supply groceries, toiletries, nappies, hygiene products, clothes, bedding, generators and work equipment to flood-affected residents.

“We are devastated to see once again our communities have been hit by a natural disaster and we want to provide support together with our customers leading up to the Easter period,” Coles Group CEO Steven Cain said.

“Our local store teams have already donated food and water to support the SES and emergency services working on the front-line but the need is enormous and we are committed to doing more by donating $100,000 to GIVIT and matching customer donations dollar for dollar up to $900,000.”

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