Supermarket forced to remove food bank donation stall because it kept getting raided by panic buyers

A supermarket in Hove has been forced to remove its food bank donation trolley after panic buyers were seen raiding it.

Brighton and Hove News reports that a customer alerted staff to items being taken from the trolley behind the tills at the Tesco superstore in Church Road, Hove.

They are now asking customers to leave donations with cashiers at the checkouts to make sure it gets to those who need it most.

Thankfully the donation stall was eventually returned to its usual place, because so many customers began asking to leave food for vulnerable people (finally, some good news!)

The removal was spotted by former local councillor Chris Hawtree, who said that he was “shocked” to hear that his local supermarket had to take these measures.

The news comes as Tesco and all the other big supermarket groups issued a joint statement urging customers to remain calm and not to stockpile.

It read:

We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).

We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need.

We are working closely with Government and our suppliers to keep food moving quickly through the system and making more deliveries to our stores to ensure our shelves are stocked.

But we need your help too.

We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop. We understand your concerns but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without.

There is enough for everyone if we all work together.

Food banks have also said that they are running low on supplies amid panic buying.

So please, look after your friends, family and neighbours. But do so responsibly, without taking food from vulnerable people.