Help elderly with groceries

DR Paul Glover (News, January 20) reminds all citizens of their role in the war against Covid.

“Charnwood” was the post-dDay military operation to secure a bridgehead in Normandy by capturing the strategic town of Caen.

Bullets, billets, beer and corned beef keep an army moving forwards. And in the pandemic battle, food may also be of importance, because supermarkets are a frontline.

It is an indictment of our political and business leaders that some elderly people are continuing to have to shop for themselves.

They place their health in danger and potentially burden professionals like Dr Glover’s ICU team at the RVH.

Every little helps in the fight against Covid and, in the same way as Mulberry harbour technology kept Normandy soldiers supplied, food retail must evolve quickly.

We may need to temporarily relax our consumer demands around food choices, so that everyone gets the bare basics.

Grocery chains might sacrifice a little of their profits, so that cautious older shoppers can pick up small, basic packs for a set amount, so that no change and minimal interaction are necessary. The hospitality sector has already led the way.

The large grocery chains, with gigantic car parks to utilise creatively, can surely do better.

(Name and address with Editor)