Whilst the elderly shopping hour introduced by Coles and Woolworths is welcomed it is highly discriminatory. Dedicated shopping hours for healthcare workers. Toilet paper remains at one pack per person for both supermarket chains, while Woolworths has yet to place limits on frozen goods or eggs.Like us on Facebook to see similar storiesBoth shops are opening exclusively between 7:00am and 8:00am to give those groups a chance to do their shopping before the rush begins.Woolworths and Coles have introduced special hours in their supermarkets to ensure that older people and people with disabilities will be able to shop in less crowded aisles during the coronavirus pandemic.The new schedule means most Australians will have less time to shop in their supermarkets. “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,” Managing Director Claire Peters said.Coles is also seeking more than 5,000 casual workers to help restock its supermarkets faster under a fast-tracked induction process and will hire more Coles Online delivery van drivers.Meanwhile, the smaller national supermarket chain IGA is considering whether to roll out a similar pensioners-and-seniors-only shopping hour across its 1300 Australian stores.Woolworths will open its doors exclusively to people with a relevant government-issued concession card for the hour, before opening to everyone else after 8am.IGA Chief Executive Fred Harrison said on Monday a final decision would be made by Wednesday.“We believe all Australians deserve the right to access their share of grocery items, particularly the elderly and the vulnerable,” Coles CEO Steven Cain said.The idea is being trialled at an IGA in Melbourne’s Altona, with a shopping hour between 6am to 7am, which could be extended across its network if successful.It also plans to dedicate grocery deliveries to people who are isolated and vulnerable.The issue has caused stress and frustration amongst elderly shoppers, many of whom find it difficult to make frequent visits to supermarkets for essential goods. Coles and Woolworths have been urged to expand their measures to allow people with disabilities to access groceries during the coronavirus crisis, with some saying they are still unable to … It’s easy to shop online to show you it’s really easy to shop with Coles online from home. Discover quick & easy recipes for every occasion. "We applaud the move by Woolworths because it is much needed and we would urge others to follow suit," National Seniors Australia CEO Professor John McCallum told the ABC.Last week, Woolworths announced that it was working with Meals on Wheels in New South Wales to help deliver toilet paper directly to the elderly in the community. Coles Online on EBay has also been temporarily suspended. Access to specials and prices from your local store. Coles has joined Woolworths in hosting a dedicated hour for elderly and customers with a disability. "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.
If you are… Go to coles.com.au Laptop opens and zoom into search bar. Shop online. "This is not the time for others to be selfish. Even if you’ve never done it before. Find a Coles store near you.