Supermarket giants are being urged to do their bit and support elderly people struggling to put food on the table amid the cost of living crisis.
The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum has called on supermarket chains to help those most vulnerable as a “gesture of goodwill” and alleviate some of their financial worries.
It comes after research showed nearly three million pensioners across the UK rely on state pensions as their only means of income.
The increase of energy bills prices and the rise in inflation rates in recent months has only exacerbated the problem, with many now finding it hard to make ends meet.
Rose Jackson, chairwoman of the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, fears this would put even more strain on elderly people, who have had a difficult time in the last few years.
She said: “During our recent outreach work, we were shocked to discover just how many older people were going hungry because they couldn’t afford to put food on the table as well as heat their homes this winter – this is an absolute disgrace.
“Many older people have been left isolated and vulnerable over the past two years, cut off from family and friends. And now they are facing even more worry and uncertainty. How is this just and fair?”
Call to help those most vulnerable
With several large chains having already introduced support schemes for elderly people, the charity is now calling for others to follow suit.
Asda recently rolled out a “winter warmer” initiative in shops across the country, offering £1-meals to those over 60. The offer includes soup, rolls, tea and coffee.
Meanwhile, Morrisons has started serving up free baked potatoes and beans to customers who “ask for Henry” at any of the supermarket’s cafes.
The Press and Journal also re-launched the Big Christmas Food Appeal last week, in partnership with Evening Express, Energy Voice and Original 106, to tackle food poverty.
With many charities expecting a surge in demand this winter, the campaign aims to boost supplies at foodbanks and raise funds, while also signposting people to the help available in their communities.
We are working with Cfine, and readers can donate through our JustGiving page, Amazon shopping list – or drop-off items at our special donation points launching this week.
Ms Jackson added that in these difficult times, “every little helps”.
She said: “We are already in talks with Ofgem in relation to the energy crisis so now we have turned our attention to targeting the big supermarket chains to ask what they can do, as a gesture of goodwill, to help some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“We fully understand that the responsibility of older people’s welfare benefits and state pension lies solely with the UK Government, however, to coin a phrase from one of those we have contacted, every little helps.”
For more information, or to get involved with The Big Christmas Food Appeal, click here.
Conversation