Coles shoppers in a NSW Mid North Coast town are experiencing serious fresh food shortages due to flood conditions.
Images from Coles in South West Rocks, situated between Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie, show that some of the supermarket’s shelves and fridges are all but empty.
Speaking to 7NEWS.com.au, both Coles and Woolworths say deliveries to some flood-affected areas have been delayed by road closures.
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Both supermarkets say they expect stock levels to return to normal when harsh weather conditions ease and deliveries can be made safely.
The result of road closures is that some fresh produce may be hard to find in some major supermarkets along the Mid North Coast of NSW.
Locals in South West Rocks say they have been unable to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, Hot Roast Chickens and bread in recent days.
Toilet paper and milk supplies have also been compromised as the town is impacted by the extreme weather event.
“None of it is Coles’ fault, all the roads are under water and we’re cut off from the major roads - their trucks just can’t get through,” one South West Rocks resident told 7NEWS.com.au.
“It’s been like this since Sunday. Yesterday I got the last tub of margarine, but we couldn’t get our hands on any meat or veggies.
“We have a BBQ hot chook every Sunday too as a treat, that couldn’t happen either.
“We’re just going to have to eat from the freezer and shop the non-perishable aisles. It’s a good thing we love SPC baked beans!
‘Worse than COVID’
“But these empty shelves are worse than what we saw with COVID, much worse. I’m feeling for all the locals because it looks like it’s going to be a while before trucks can get in.
“We don’t have young kids, so we’re lucky. But I can imagine how tough it will be for some. It’s just Coles and the local IGA and butcher here, so not a lot of options.”
Coles and Woolworths shoppers have taken to social media to congratulate supermarket staff for keeping spirits high during the tough conditions.
“Massive shout out to the staff at Coles Wingham on the Mid North Coast,” one customer said.
“Trucks haven’t been able to deliver for days due to the floods. We all may be damp but their spirit isn’t!”
Another said: “I would love to acknowledge the HUGE efforts Woolworths’ Lakewood store on the Mid North Coast of NSW have gone through in the last couple of days.
“The team that was there, and have been there, should be highly commended for showing up, giving it their best even when some have families and friends they are grieving for. But still they are there to support everybody that walked through that store.
“I spoke with the lovely lady named Layla in their bakery. She was doing her best to ensure what bread she had could go out so customers weren’t left without as many bread shelves were empty.”
Coles responds
A Coles spokesperson has told 7NEWS.com.au said distribution centres are working hard to replenish stock.
“Our team members have been working hard to keep our stores open and stocked for customers where possible, however some products are in low supply or out of stock as deliveries have been delayed by road and rail closures,” the spokesperson said.
“Our distribution centres are preparing replenishment orders for stores in affected areas, which will be dispatched as soon as deliveries can be made safely.
“We ask customers to mindful of others, and only buy what they need.”
Woolworths statement
A Woolworths spokesperson has also said that every effort is being made to bring supplies into flood-affected areas.
“Due to road closures in NSW, customers may notice some fresh produce shortages in our Mid North Coast and Far North Coast stores,” the spokesperson said.
“We’ve rearranged our delivery routes into the region and our teams are working to ensure shelves are replenished with fresh produce as soon as possible.
“There are fresh deliveries arriving today and we expect stock levels to improve over the next 24 hours.
“We thank our customers for their patience as we work to return to normal supply, and apologise for the inconvenience, particularly in these trying times.”
7NEWS.com.au understands that there is no evidence of panic buying in the regions.