Care workers and foodbank volunteers should be given priority at supermarkets to allow them to buy the supplies they need, a Fife politician has insisted.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker has called on local stores to ensure care workers are eligible for exclusive shopping hours as key workers.
She has also urged managers to consider specific arrangements for those buying for foodbanks so volunteers do not have to make multiple trips in order to stay within purchase limits.
The Labour MSP has raised the issue with the Scottish Government.
Donations to foodbanks have reduced significantly during the coronavirus pandemic, while demand from people in crisis has increased.
Volunteers across the region have made desperate pleas for help, with those in Glenrothes saying they were unable to get supplies last week due to “selfish” panic-buyers clearing shelves.
Levenmouth Foodbank also reported difficulty in getting stock as supermarkets set limits on the amount people were allowed to buy.
Mrs Baker praised supermarket staff for their efforts but said more must be done to help those in need.
“Supermarket staff are doing a great job to enable people to continue to access necessary food and supplies during this period and I welcome the steps which are being taken to help limit the spread of infection in stores and better protect staff and customers,” she said.
“In order to alleviate concern over stock levels, some supermarkets are dedicating special hours for key workers, principally those working in the NHS.
“I am calling on supermarkets to also include care workers.
“These staff are working throughout this crisis to provide care and support to the most vulnerable people in care homes, often working long shifts, and this could help them feel more confident about getting the supplies they need.”
Mrs Baker added that while measures to restrict multiple purchases of certain items were welcome, she said it was necessary for foodbanks to buy in bulk, particularly when many were seeing a drop in donations.
“Volunteers are making multiple shopping trips to stay within purchase limits, which puts more people at risk of infection,” she said.
“While supermarkets are working to be fair to everyone, I am urging them to consider making special arrangements for foodbanks.
“I have also contacted the Scottish Government to ask if there is anything they can do to facilitate necessary purchasing of multiple items for foodbanks.”
