Woman blocked from buying supplies
Estevan Walmart has put product limit in place
Ramona Knebush was trying to buy food for elders on the First Nation where she works but was prevented from doing so by the Estevan Walmart’s item limits.
Knebush, who works as the health director at Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation, was buying food for 14 homes that have a total of 17 elders. She was told by management that she was purchasing too much.
Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation is located approximately 86 kilometres northwest of Estevan. Back in February, Knebush started a food basket program to buy healthy food for elders on the reserve. With the COVID-19 pandemic now happening, she said the service has become even more essential.
“Especially with this situation going on now, we’re trying to keep them at home and keep them safe,” said Knebush.
After leaving the Estevan Walmart, Knebush made her way to the Walmart in Weyburn. She phoned ahead and explained what items she needed, and was told by an assistant manager that it was no problem.
It wasn’t just that Knebush was told no in Estevan, it was how she says she was denied the groceries that bothered her.
“I must have said community one too many times, because all of
Especially with this situation going on now, we’re trying to keep (our elders) at home and keep them safe.
a sudden (the manager) said, ‘I have to look after the people in my community.’ And that kind of, I’m sorry, pissed me off. And it was like, we are a part of your community,” said Knebush. “When he said ‘my community,’ it was like he was drawing a line in the sand.”
Knebush said she used the F-word while speaking with the manager, and regretted resorting to it out of frustration. At that point, she was told to leave the store.
Knebush has tried to phone Walmart’s corporate line to file a complaint, but hasn’t been able to get through to anyone.
In a statement, Walmart said its Estevan location has had to put product limits in place because of high demands.
“Everyone is welcome at Walmart and we are proud to reflect the diverse communities we serve through our associates. Due to the high demand on products, our Estevan store has instituted product limits in order to allow all customers the opportunity to purchase the supplies they need. There are signs posted throughout the store alerting customers about these limits and this very same policy exists in all Walmart stores across the country,” said the statement.
Knebush said she is aware of product limits and follows them, and has done shopping for elders at that store in the past without issue.
For future grocery trips, she doesn’t want to use the Weyburn Walmart because it’s not as big and doesn’t have the same selection of produce. Her only other option may be to go to a Walmart location in Regina. She doesn’t plan on returning to the Estevan store.
“I personally will never step foot inside of that Walmart again,” said Knebush.
Knebush also wants people who see someone buying a lot of groceries to consider the possibility that they may be shopping for others who can’t do it themselves.