Panic buying hits the most vulnerable

It is very worrying, and this is only the start of it Nadine Stephenson

Those most in need are being denied vital items as a result of panic buying during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Major worry has been caused to young mothers who have not been able to easily source milk formula for their babies, according to one local grandmother.

Nadine Stephenson told the Herald she was shocked to find out that when her son had gone to Perth to buy baby milk for his five-month-old daughter the shelves were empty.

She was even more outraged to discover that people had reportedly admitted to stockpiling dried milk to use in teas and coffees for themselves.

Nadine said: “It’s a sad state of affairs when people are clearing the shelves of baby milk leaving them no food – and not buying it for their baby, but for tea and coffee.

“It is not just the elderly suffering, but babies now too.

“I couldn’t believe it when my son phoned to tell me he couldn’t get food for his baby and the cashier at the till told him that people had openly admitted that this was the reason for them buying baby milk.

“The cashiers can’t do anything about this either and can’t refuse the sale.”

Nadine urged people to think about what they were doing.

She added: “No wonder there is nothing on the shelves if this is people’s selfish and stupid attitudes.

“It is unbelievable that this is happening. It is very worrying, and this is only the start of it.”

Elsewhere, organisers of Crieff ’s community foodbank say they are struggling at the moment due to current restrictions – as well as people panic buying more than is necessary.

Tina McRorie, who helps with the King’s Centre-based lifeline, said: “We are struggling for enough donations due to panic buying.”

In addition, the foodbank has also had to put in place precautions in the way they distribute essentials.

Tina explained: “We will now have bags made up ready to just hand over to people needing food parcels.

“We will be unable to allow people to walk round with us to choose their own food.

“It is awful having to do this but we have to remember we work from within a hospital and want to minimise the risk to everybody, including our volunteers.

“My plan is, provided I can get enough food donations in and King’s Centre remains open, we will continue to open.

“If we are forced to close I have to look at other ways to still provide food as my concern is if we close, people with no money go hungry and are therefore more at risk.”

Councillor Bob Brawn, convener of housing and community safety at Perth and Kinross Council, asked residents to be mindful of others when going to the supermarket.

He said: “The coronavirus crisis is a worry for us all, particularly if we have elderly relatives.

“As advised by the government, via the media, it is by using a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes and regularly