'Panic buying' plea to Calderdale public if Covid-19 second wave hits

Calderdale's voluntary sector have plea to the public to not 'panic buy' amid a possible second wave of coronavirus.
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The plea comes in response to last week’s announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to combat the second wave of the deadly virus, which has gripped the country’s headlines since March.

Voluntary and Community Sector organisations across Calderdale reiterated the impact panic buying left on the borough as the country entered lockdown on March 23, particularly on vulnerable service users.

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Mel Rumble from Our Place, which runs a weekend day service in Halifax for the elderly, said: “Our guests and carers struggled to get the basics they needed due to shelves being empty.

Tibetan Kitchen in June 2020 picture by Craig Shaw PhotographyTibetan Kitchen in June 2020 picture by Craig Shaw Photography
Tibetan Kitchen in June 2020 picture by Craig Shaw Photography

“Some were entitled to help available, but many don’t have computers and some don’t have family to do things for them.

“We needed items for our activity and support packs but the shelves were empty.

“Then the limits came in on what you could buy - we were supporting over 50 people.

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“We ended up having to get an official letter from our commissioner at Calderdale Council stating what service we were providing and quantities we needed to buy in.

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the UKBoris Johnson, Prime Minister of the UK
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the UK

“This helped but a lot of places wouldn’t honour it, we were even told by one supermarket the only way we could do it was to get each volunteer to go in separately and purchase the limited amounts, until we had enough.

“I’m seriously hoping this does not happen again, we ended up having to source a lot of our items online and even they were sold out of most things.”

Focus 4 Hope, based in Brighouse, provide essential support to homeless and vulnerable people.

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During lockdown, Focus 4 Hope ran a food bank and delivery service to those in need.

Louise Reed, Founder of Focus 4 Hope, said: “We’re very concerned about [panic buying].

“I’ve had both Morrisons and Tesco contact me saying people are panic buying and this could cause major issues for us running our emergency food bank.

“During the beginning back in March and April this caused us big problems as we struggled to be able to buy quantities of food needed to effectively run our food bank and support our community.

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“The restrictions of amounts you could buy applied and therefore they couldn’t support us.

“Our numbers are again slowly on the increase as people are now having to isolate, becoming ill or losing their jobs and struggling financially.

“We would like to ask people to think before they panic buy.

“Shops will not be closing and supplies will be OK as long as people do not continue to panic buy.

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“It broke our hearts when there were pictures emerging of empty shelves in supermarkets and elderly people not being able to buy their essentials.

“We had many elderly in particular call us very frightened and worried as they could not buy the shopping they needed.”

During national lockdown, several community led initiatives were set up across Calderdale to support the vulnerable with food, prescriptions and weekly shops.

Janet Lymer from Calderdale Community Cares, based in Hebden Bridge, said: “We’re very concerned about panic buying and the effect this has on our older generations, and those with a limited food budget.

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“We have over 240 people on our register, who rely on us to provide support, shopping, and other service to help keep their spirits up, and this wholesale clearing out of supermarket shelves has an immediate impact on these groups of people.

“They are left without the provisions they need, often resulting in them making additional trips to the shops, and exposing themselves more than is necessary to coronavirus.”

Caroline Beardsmore for Your Tod Squad, said: “We appeal to people, during these times, to please put the community above their own short term need to stockpile on the basics leaving others without.”

Dipika Kaushal CEO of VAC, one of the six partners in the VSI Alliance, said: “As a result of our experiences in March and the problems panic buying created for people, groups and communities most vulnerable and at risk both in Calderdale and nationally, it’s so important we look out for our neighbours and communities during this time.

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“We know that shortages in food and essential items was purely down to panic buying and stockpiling. If this had not been the case then there was more than enough to meet everyone’s needs.

“If we are to get through the coming months and years then we need to look after ourselves and, through our actions, ensure we look after our communities and especially those who are most vulnerable and in need.

“The voluntary and community sector tirelessly work to ensure people have the support they need; today our sector needs Calderdale’s help to ensure they can provide what is essential for those most in need to stay safe and well.

“The way to help will not cost anything but our plea is for people to stop panic buying and in fact if you are buying more than you need then please do not waste or dispose items but instead donate to a local organisation or food bank.

“This is an amazing place so let’s continue to be amazing in all we do to come out stronger, united and resilient.”

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