Many people are worried about access to food due to the coronavirus outbreak.
There is no shortage of food - the challenge supermarkets are facing is keeping shelves stocked throughout the day to keep up with demand. Be responsible when you shop and think of others. Buying more than you need means that others may be left without. There is no need to stockpile.
The government has acted so supermarkets can restock as quickly as possible:
We have set aside rules restricting deliver to shops, relaxed restrictions on driver hours, so more goods can be delivered every day.
We have also set aside competition laws so supermarkets can coordinate their efforts locally: sharing staff, sharing delivery vehicles, and coordinating shop opening times.
Supermarkets and food producers are working around the clock to keep the nation fed. They are recruiting more staff, protecting shopping time for older and vulnerable people, and limiting shopping hours so they have more time to restock.
Below is a consolidated list of larger supermarket opening times and when they have designated periods for the vulnerable, elderly, and NHS workers.
Tesco Extra - 9 Augustus Lane, Orpington, BR6 0NH
Monday to Saturday - 6am to 10pm
Sunday - 10am to 4pm
Vulnerable customers: Priority hour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning from 9am to 10am for elderly and vulnerable. NHS Workers: A special shopping hour every Sunday 9am to 10am, one hour before usual store opening time. Bring a form of ID such as an NHS staff card. Purchase restrictions: Maximum of three of each item. Online delivery restrictions Online customers are asked to go to physical stores to free delivery slots for the elderly and vulnerable.
Sainsbury's - Walnuts Shopping Centre, 6-7 Homefield Rise, Orpington, BR6 0RT Monday to Saturday - 7am - 8pm Sunday - 11am to 5pm Vulnerable customers: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday all Sainsbury's stores dedicate 8am to 9am to serving elderly customers, disabled customers and carers. NHS Workers: Anyone with NHS ID will be able to shop from 07.30-08.00 every day from Monday to Saturday. Purchase restrictions: Maximum of three of each item, and maximum of two of most popular products, including toilet roll, soap and UHT milk. Online delivery restrictions Expanding click and collect service, increasing number of collection sites across the country, including car park collection points.
Sainsbury's - Locksbottom Superstore, Pallant Way, Orpington, BR6 8NZ Monday to Saturday - 7am - 8pm Sunday - 10am to 4pm Vulnerable customers: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday all Sainsbury's stores dedicate 8am to 9am to serving elderly customers, disabled customers and carers. NHS Workers: Anyone with NHS ID will be able to shop from 07.30-08.00 every day from Monday to Saturday. Purchase restrictions: Maximum of three of each item, and maximum of two of most popular products, including toilet roll, soap and UHT milk. Online delivery restrictions Expanding click and collect service, increasing number of collection sites across the country, including car park collection points.
Morrisons - Petts Wood, 70 Queensway, Petts wood, Orpington, BR5 1 DH Monday to Saturday - 8am - 8pm Sunday - 10am to 4pm Vulnerable customers: Making more delivery slots available. NHS Workers: Anyone with an NHS badge will be able to get into the store to stock up on the products they need from 7am to 8am Monday to Saturday. Purchase restrictions: Limits on toilet roll, cleaning products and some health and beauty items.
Waitrose - Green Street Green, 11 High Street, Green Street Green, Orpington, BR6 6BG
Monday to Saturday - 8am - 8pm Sunday - 10am to 4pm Vulnerable customers: Priority first hour for elderly, vulnerable and their carers. Working on special deliveries for vulnerable customers. NHS Workers: Anyone with an NHS badge will be able to get into the store to stock up on the products they need from 7am to 8am Monday to Saturday. Purchase restrictions: Maximum three of each grocery item (excl fresh fruit/veg and some alcohol) and maximum two packs of toilet roll.