Woolworths is distributing around 4000 ‘care packages’ to truck drivers who have been working around the clock to deliver groceries to distribution centres and stores during weeks of intense COVID-19 stockpiling.
The care packages, which contain items such as hand sanitiser, tissues, disposable gloves, water, coffee vouchers, and snacks, aim to support the safety and wellbeing of drivers during a period of heightened pressure and stress.
“The last couple of months have been extremely busy across our entire supply chain network, ” Woolworths chief supply chain officer Paul Graham said.
In March, when supermarket stockpiling was at its peak, the NSW government allowed supermarkets to receive deliveries 24 hours a day to restock shelves. A week later, the state’s supermarkets and pharmacies were permitted to remain open 24/7 to meet demand.
With the additional volume of stock flowing through distribution centres and into stores, drivers have been working longer hours, with extra staff needed in some cases.
“Many drivers will have made sacrifices at work or at home to keep the food and essentials flowing into stores for Australian communities,” Graham said.
“We appreciate everything they do for Woolworths, and the care packs are just a small way of giving something extra back and saying thank you for all their efforts.”
Woolworths team members compiled the packages, which will be distributed to drivers across the country.
“Truck drivers are essential to our business and we want to do what we can to support their safety and wellbeing as well, just like we do for our own team members,” Graham added.
