Woolworths Introduces ‘Basics Box’ For Elderly & Vulnerable People

When hordes of selfish shoppers stripped supermarket shelves of essential items, Woolworths was the first major supermarket in Australia to try and prioritise their elderly and vulnerable customers with ‘elderly-only’ shopping times.

This amazing initiative provided newfound hope to many older Australians who ventured out to shopping centers only to return empty-handed, and now, Woolworths is taking things one step further.

Woolworths is now rolling out an $80 box of groceries called the ‘Basic box’ which can be ordered and then delivered to the doorsteps of isolated elderly and vulnerable people across the country.

The contents of each Basic Box may vary due to product availability, but all boxes will contain a similar range of meals, snacks, and essential items.

An example of ‘Basic Box’ contents that was posted on the Woolworths Website is as follows:

 

Essentials

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap (or other hygiene products)

 

Breakfast

  • Longlife milk (or a dairy substitute)
  • Fruit juice
  • Weetbix, oats (or breakfast cereal)
  • Crackers (or similar)
  • Spread (jam, vegemite, honey or peanut butter)

 

Lunch and Dinner

  • Pasta (or rice, lentils, noodles, quinoa, couscous)
  • Pasta sauce (or similar)
  • Canned tuna (or other canned meat)
  • Canned items – soup, vegetables & fruit
  • Baked beans (or similar)
  • Tortilla bread (or similar)

 

Snacks  

  • Tea
  • Biscuits (or chocolate wafers, sweet snacks)
  • Muesli bars (or dried fruits)

 

According to Woolworths, orders should arrive within 2-5 working days, but they urge people who can shop for vulnerable family and friends to do so, to help reduce demand.

The basic boxes will be unable to cater for specific dietary requirements, but removing choice will ensure that deliveries get out to vulnerable customers as fast as possible.

Just like the ‘elderly-only’ shopping hours, Woolworths requires basic box customers to provide proof of age or vulnerability prior to making their order, and customers will receive updates on their delivery via text and email.

Woolworths has actually been offering priority assistance home deliveries since March 13, to help the elderly, those with disabilities, and those in mandatory isolation.

The ‘Basic Box’ is only available for delivery and Woolworths will not be making any profits from the service.

At a time where baron supermarket shelves became a symbol of selfishness, it’s remarkable to think that a supermarket chain is providing Australians with the best example of how to be mindful of others.

Photo credit – iStock- Geber86

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. I have a level four age care package
    I find that the care providers aren’t living up too indevigales care needs and they are using the shutdowns as an excuse . But they could get private contractors to fill in the gaps also I need a mask

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Assisted Dying Laws, MPs to Vote Later This Month

The debate for Victoria’s upcoming assisted dying bill is getting heated with the vote to happen later this month. The bill is being championed by Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, who announced in July that he would introduce an assisted dying bill to Parliament. Previously against assisted dying, Andrews views changed following the death of his... Read More

Science Reveals That People With Anxiety Are More Intelligent

If you suffer from anxiety or depression, you’ll know that it can be a highly debilitating condition that affects nearly every area of life. But while we all know the downsides to these mental health conditions, there may be a hidden upside, according to science. A new study suggests that those who experience high levels... Read More

Aged care isn’t working, but we can create neighbourhoods to support healthy ageing in place

In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has exposed issues and inequities across society. How we plan for ageing populations and older people is one critical issue that has been neglected for decades. Fresher-faced youth and families have become the demographic focus of increasingly short-term electoral cycles, reinforcing a deep-seated prejudice against ageing and older people. Read More
Advertisement