Supermarket launches basic care package for elderly and vulnerable people stuck at home

Inside Woolworths’ new $80 coronavirus ‘survival box’: Supermarket launches basic care package for elderly and vulnerable people stuck at home while deadly infection spreads

  • Woolworths is rolling out an $80 box of basic groceries to be delivered to homes 
  • Box items will vary but they will include meals, snacks and a few essential items
  • Various distributions channels, like Auspost, will be used to for faster delivery 
  • They can be ordered online from this week in the ACT, NSW, and Victoria 
  • Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

Woolworths is stepping up efforts to get food to elderly and other vulnerable people who are stuck at home as coronavirus spreads.

The supermarket is rolling out an $80 box of basic groceries and will use Australia Post and other distribution channels to get orders to isolated people faster.

The box includes meals, snacks and a few essential items, and can’t be customised.   It can be ordered online from this week in the ACT, NSW and Victoria.

Woolworths is stepping up efforts to get food to elderly and other vulnerable people who are stuck at home as coronavirus spreads

Orders should arrive in two-to-five working days and phone support will be available for people who are not comfortable ordering online.

Other states will be added in coming weeks.

The government has urged Australians over the age of 70 to stay at home for their own protection as the nation’s coronavirus tally reaches more than 4000 cases, with 16 deaths.

The $80 price includes contactless doorstep delivery by Australia Post and Woolworths has said it won’t be making an profit from the service. 

The list of exact products and brands in each box will vary. 

Woolworths says people who can shop for families or friends who are isolated should do so, to limit demand on the online service.

‘There will be some in our community who don’t have that option, and we need your help to put the most vulnerable first,’ Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said in a statement on Monday.

The box will include essentials such as baked beans, tuna, full cream milk and oats

The box will include essentials such as baked beans, tuna, full cream milk and oats 

Woolworths will also use DHL Supply Chain and delivery companies Sherpa and Drive Yello to get keep its online orders flowing.

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

Australia Post said it will provide a contactless doorstep delivery, in line with Covid-19 measures, within an estimated time of 2-5 business days, Australia wide. 

The $80 price includes contactless doorstep delivery by Australia Post and Woolworths has said it won't be making an profit from the service

The $80 price includes contactless doorstep delivery by Australia Post and Woolworths has said it won’t be making an profit from the service

Woolworths launched the new initiative to help elderly and vulnerable Australians

Woolworths launched the new initiative to help elderly and vulnerable Australians 

Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Australia Post, Christine Holgate, was proud to form the partnership with Woolworths.

‘We are working tirelessly to look at how we can use our unrivalled national network to deliver some comfort to those in need, while we all go through this challenging time,’  Ms Holgate said. 

‘We know so many people are really struggling to get their essential needs during this time, particularly the vulnerable and elderly who may not be able to visit their local supermarket. 

‘Making delivery to people’s home is critical at this time.’

Customers can apply for priority assistance by going to  woolworths.com.au/priorityassistance

WHAT IS IN THE $80 BASIC BOX?

  • Baked beans in tomato sauce 
  • Tuna chunks in spring water 
  • Longlife Australian Full Cream milk 
  • Vegemite 
  • Juice
  • Plain flour 
  • Oats
  • English breakfast tea bags
  • Pasta sauce
  • Pasta 
  • Crackers 

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