Woolies donates free toilet roll to Meals on Wheels customers around country

The move comes after panic buying amid coronavirus quarantine fears has seen shoppers strip supermarkets shelves bare.

The supermarket giant started the initiative with Meals on Wheels NSW using the charity's network of volunteers to deliver the donated toilet paper directly to seniors in the community. Now it has rolled out the scheme around the country.

Woolies said the national support is aimed at helping vulnerable and elderly shoppers overcome some of the challenges they have been facing in securing essential items like toilet paper, due to recent unprecedented customer demand.

From Thursday, Meals on Wheels volunteers across the states will hand deliver a four-pack of toilet paper along with their usual prepared meals to those they service in the community.

Meals On Wheels SA chief executive, Sharyn Broer, said the not-for-profit was pleased to see the partnership with Woolworths being extended.

"As we continue to see a demand for essential items, it's comforting to know that the vulnerable and elderly in our community will be supported during these trying times.

"We would like to extend our thanks to Woolworths for providing further support to Australian communities and for the integral role that this is playing nationwide."

"We are also grateful to have an amazing network of local Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers who are able to make this initiative possible."

Woolworths General Manager, SA, NT and WA, Karl Weber said: "Due to the unprecedented demand on certain products in our stores, we've heard that many elderly and vulnerable people in the community are missing out on items they may need when they shop.

He said while Woolworths continues to do its best to continue restocking stores, he urged Australians "to be mindful of fellow locals at this time who might need help and ensure that we continue to support each other".

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