In response to supermarket shelves being laid bare of essential goods due to unnecessary stockpiling and panic buying, Stephen Morgan MP has taken steps to protect access for city’s most vulnerable working alongside Hive Portsmouth.
Mr Morgan has written out to over 50 supermarkets and food stores across the Portsmouth South constituency, thanking retail staff for their efforts at this time of crisis and asking store managers to take two simple steps which could help save lives.
The Portsmouth South MP said:
“I firstly want to convey my heartfelt thanks to the store workers working for the good of our community. They are playing a crucial role in keeping the nation fed and supplied at this time of uncertainty and emergency. While many are at home, they are on the frontline making a difference where it matters. We all owe them a debt.
I have had reports of older community members left crying in the aisles because they can’t access essential goods. We’re all in this together and cannot leave anyone behind, let alone our most vulnerable.
I urge all Portsmouth people to think before panic buying or stockpiling. People should only buy what goods they and their family need. There is plenty to go around, but people need to be mindful of their behaviour.
In writing out to every supermarket and food store in the constituency, I hope to both inform supermarkets of the problem and connect them with Hive volunteers – local people giving up their time for free and working relentlessly for the good of the community.”
Mr Morgan’s action firstly asks supermarkets to allow time for Hive volunteers to access priority goods for older people before shelves can be stripped. This is so ‘care bundles’ of essential goods can be assembled for vulnerable people across Portsmouth.
Secondly, the city MP is urging supermarkets to allow Hive volunteers access to food and essentials at priority times to ensure that foodbank shelves do not become too depleted.
Mr Morgan added:
“While Hive and the shop workers are doing outstanding work in our community, we also need to see leadership from government on the issue of panic buying.
Bare supermarket shelves could cost lives. That is why I have also been taking action in parliament, asking Ministers questions and putting pressure on government to find a solution.
I will continue to take joined up action locally and nationally to protect vulnerable people in Portsmouth. Portsmouth has got through tough times before through team work. Everyone has a part to play.”
Stephen Morgan MP has also lobbied the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask for urgent support to the voluntary sector, issued information locally warning about the dangers of panic buying and is running a campaign to encourage community action.
The MP has praised the work of food banks and community initiatives across the city collecting food for those in need. In this photo: St George’s Food bank organised by Harbour Church. Food collection organised by local families and the fantastic Portsea Events Group.
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