Coles has repurposed its store in Coburg, Melbourne as a pop-up fulfilment centre exclusively to service the 3000 residents confined to mandatory COVID-19 lockdown measures in apartment buildings.
Coles has worked with the Victorian Government to donate fresh food and groceries, packing 1000 boxes with a selection of produce, bread, dairy products, as well as long-life groceries such as cereal, pasta, tinned food, biscuits and toilet paper.
Each of the boxes is intended to be enough to feed four people for three days, and include forms for residents to request specific supplies to be included in forthcoming deliveries.
“It’s been a huge effort by all involved to help the community - not just the store team but the supply chain and our suppliers,” said Coles chief operations officer Matt Swindells.
“We’ll continue to work with the Victorian government to provide essentials to the residents of these buildings for as long as they need.”
Coles senior communications manager Martine Alpins said: “After weeks of relentless work feeding a nation, hundreds of amazing team members have worked tirelessly to provide for those in need.
“Fresh produce, groceries, toiletries and treats are all being donated. It’s incredible to see the care that’s gone into putting this together at such speed.”
The food donations from Coles follow on the seven pallets of essentials delivered to residents on Sunday, including nappies, baby wipes, infant formula and hand sanitiser.
