The pictures of crowded supermarkets and empty shelves have been worrying for us all in recent days. No doubt things will settle down in time but supermarkets are now trying to do their best to prioritise our NHS and Social Care staff who can only shop when they are not actually saving lives and protecting us all. For example, Sainsbury’s will be opening 7.30 – 8am solely for NHS and Social Care workers – appropriate ID is required e.g. NHS ID. And on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8-9am elderly customers, the disabled and carers will be prioritised.
We have been asked to shop on-line if possible during this pandemic and many of us have found that there are no delivery slots available if we are new to this way of shopping. Sainsbury’s holds a databank of customers who have used their vulnerable customer helpline, or who have otherwise flagged up as vulnerable (e.g. date of birth) and for whom they hold an email contact. These customers will be emailed information on when new delivery slots are available. If you consider yourself vulnerable but have not received this email you can register with the Sainsbury’s groceries on-line website.
This is only one example so it will be worth checking with the other supermarket and grocery shop chains what help they can offer you in terms of home delivery or click and collect.
