Hundreds of local pensioners take advantage of dedicated shopping hour at Woolworths

The dedicated shopping hour, which runs nationally from 7am to 8am on weekdays before opening to everyone else, allows the elderly and more vulnerable members of the community access to the supermarket to get supplies.

Already toilet rolls, tinned goods, pasta and hand sanitiser are proving hard to come by as panic-buyers prepare for the weeks ahead.

For the past four days since the dedicated shopping hour for pensioners and the disabled started, around 100 Macleay residents have lined up outside Woolworths in Kempsey each morning.

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The Argus spoke to residents on Friday morning who were lining up to do their shopping.

"I think it's a very good idea," one woman said.

Another resident expressed her shock at having to get up so early to do her weekly grocery shop.

"It's crazy that a 90-year-old like myself has to get up to go shopping at this hour of the morning," she said.

"If they had it at a later time in the day it might make it easier for people."

One customer from Bellbrook said travelling to Kempsey for her shopping so early in the morning is difficult.

"Because I live in Bellbrook, I can't just duck into town everyday. I left at 5.30am to get here before 7am."

This morning Kempsey Woolworths had more meat products than yesterday, with staff working to stock the shelves for customers. Supplies were low in the tinned food isle and toilet paper stocks were very low.

Many supermarkets are working around the clock to stock shelves for customers during this high demand period.

Owner of IGA Central Kempsey Rowan Simpson said they are keeping up supplies for customers but are also feeling the pressure of panic-buying demand.

"In our fresh department we are keeping the shelves stocked and we have enough for locals to come in and buy," he said.

"We are noticing a lot of residents purchasing flour and toilet paper which is putting a bit of pressure on us to keep up with the demand.

"But because we rely on local suppliers, our fruit and veg is still full.

"We do appreciate our customers who continue to shop with us."

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