Woman’s desperate plea after Coles shopper admits to stealing to feed her family
The customer made the teary confession at her local Coles store.
A woman has issued a desperate plea to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after discovering that a Coles shopper had been forced to steal food to make ends meet.
The woman overheard the shopper talking to a friend and confessing to the desperate act while she was in the supermarket.
With Australia’s cost-of-living crisis continuing to see millions struggle with soaring interest rates and rent prices, high energy bills and rising supermarket costs, many are being forced to take extreme measures to survive.
Sharing on Facebook, the woman said she was feeling “let down” and “hoodwinked” by the PM after listening to the Coles customer’s heartbreaking story.
“Anthony Albanese, I am so deeply saddened to hear someone shopping at Coles admit to her friend in tears that sometimes she now steals food because she simply can’t put food on the table any other way,” she wrote.
“Of course there is food relief et al (but those services are also at breaking point). It’s disheartening to witness firsthand the desperation that leads someone to resort to theft just to put food on the table.
“While I have you, I am feeling let down and somewhat hoodwinked by you. Your sentiment around truly understanding hardship because of your upbringing seems to have been just talk.
“I firmly believe you are no longer committed to the cause. High expectations were set but you are starting to run the risk of being the pleaser and not making the hard calls that are needed in this space.
“What I heard today made me realise that not enough is being done that was promised to make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with adversity.”
Many agreed that it was a heartbreaking state of affairs, saying Albanese had to do more.
“The line at ReachOut (food pantry) was around the corner and down the street this afternoon,” one said.
Another added: “Food costs are beyond ridiculous right now. I fear that the horse has bolted and once it’s out … it’s not coming back for pats.
“And sorry to say but Albo is just another politician. Hope he sees this and listens but I’m not holding my breath. Sad state of affairs.”
A third wrote: “He really has been a disappointment. Where is he? What is he doing for us? How much longer can people go on like this?”
This week Coles announced that it had dropped the price on 300 products, including many beef, chicken and lamb buys and other household essentials.
SOURCE: 7NEWS