BENDIGO shoppers have been warned hoarding hurts vulnerable people as supermarkets temporarily re-instate purchase limits.
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Coles and Woolworths have both put limits in place on staple items in response to elevated demand in parts of Melbourne.
It comes after Victoria recorded a spike in COVID-19 diagnoses.
Bendigo Family and Financial Services general manager Jenny Elvey said people on low incomes did not have the money to go and buy large amounts of supplies.
She said if toilet paper, pasta, or the like, were unavailable, or cost more, these people were disadvantaged.
Ms Elvey said the problem made it difficult for emergency relief agencies, because they could not get excess stock at the drop of a hat either.
She said more clients were asking for basic items like toilet paper, pasta and hand sanitiser a few months ago, when hoarding spiked.
Ms Elvey urged people to think of others in the community when they shopped.
"Let's only get what we need, and let's think of others that are struggling to be able to get some of these items," she said.
"We're still got a little way off before life returns not to normal. We've got to keep a level head about it and do what we can to support everyone."
Woolworths re-instated purchase limits of two items on toilet paper, hand sanitiser, paper towel, flour, sugar, pasta mince, long life milk, eggs, and rice across its Victorian stores on Wednesday.
The chain warned it was a preventative move after elevated demand in parts of Melbourne.
Managing director Claire Peters assured Victorians Woolworths had plenty of stock, but wanted to prevent excessive buying.
Coles put in place purchase limits of 1-2 item on the same set of items.
This applies at Coles supermarkets in Victoria, Lavington, Albury and Deniliquin.
Coles Group chief executive Steven Cain said the chain put in place temporary purchase limits to help manage demand for key staple items.
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Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
