Even Esselunga-after Carrefour and Gioosto-is finally responding to Égalité’s call for free home delivery of groceries to the disabled and over-65s. (1)
Esselunga, the focus on the disabled and the elderly
Esselunga confirms that it has already devoted attention to disAbles and the elderly (as well as to public schools in Italy, with unprecedented aid). The facilities concern:
– persons with disabilities (>60%), free delivery. To access this benefit, you must register on theappropriate page of the portal, attaching a copy of the report of the Medical Commission under Law 104/92, where it states the degree (%) of disability, without indicating the pathology.
– over-70. Delivery charges discounted to €3.45 (when shopping online) or €3.10 (for home delivery from store). The discount is activated automatically, based on the master data released in the application form for the Fìdaty Card.
Esselunga, extra facilities in ‘Covid era’
‘To cope with the difficult emergency period we are all experiencing, we have also set up in all our supermarkets:
– priority access for people over 65, the disabled and pregnant women, being able to go to the entrance without standing in line. A cashier will also be reserved for them to speed up payment transactions.
– priority access to volunteer staff engaged in supporting needy families and health personnel engaged in COVID-19 emergency. (3) We will also reserve a cash box for both of them to speed up payment operations’ (Esselunga, Customer Service).
The over-65s – until 12.4.20, unless extended – also benefit from free grocery delivery. Also in stores where there is a home delivery service. (4)
Possible critical issues
In relation to the exceptional demands and the resulting critical warehouse operations, Esselunga also informs us that during this period:
– flexibility in changes of delivery days and time slots cannot be guaranteed,
– some deliveries may be delayed from the usual on-time service,
– in case of delays or changes on delivery time it will be Customer Service to inform consumers in time, without forcing them to activate (on toll-free number, dedicated email and social channels) to receive updates,
– to prevent risk of coronavirus transmission, delivery is made to the front door and payment must be made online. So as to avoid an interaction between the delivery person and the buyer.
GDO and attention to the weakest, the Italian shame
La Repubblica just today picked up on Égalité’s appeal to ADM (Association of Modern Distribution) President Giorgio Santambrogio, after questioning individual large-scale retail groups that provide home deliveries.
The Italian shame concerns the barkers of false slogans, ‘people over things,’ the most famous. Who do not even have the dignity and respect to respond to an appeal aimed at ensuring food security-the provision of fresh food above all-for the disabled, the immunocompromised and the elderly.
Mobilization
#Let’sStayHomeButNotSilent. The Covid-19 emergency took the whole world by surprise, and no one outside the Chinese government was able to deal with it effectively. The large-scale retail trade (GDO), like other industries whose continuity is essential, has adapted as it could.
Neglecting altogether the situation faced by the weakest and most exposed to the real risk of often lethal complications when going out in public places, however, is an unacceptable and unmerciful act. We therefore invite all our readers to:
▶️ sign Égalité’s petition for priority and free delivery for the disabled, over-65s and immunocompromised by following the link https://www.egalite.org/petizione-disabili-immunocompromessi-anziani-consegna-gratuita-e-con-precedenza-della-spesa/
▶️ fill out the questionnaire prepared by Égalité to assess the risks of nutritional deficiencies of the most vulnerable during the Covid-19 emergency, at https://www.egalite.org/la-spesa-alimentare-in-era-covid-questionario-alle-famiglie-con-disabili-anziani-e-malati/.
Still waiting for responses from the surveyed large-scale retail chains.
Dario Dongo and Giulia Caddeo
Notes
(1) Égalité’s request to supermarkets and ecommerce, at https://www.egalite.org/consegna-gratuita-della-spesa-ai-disabili-la-richiesta-di-egalite/
(2) See Esselunga website, Online Services section, item Delivery Facilities.
(3) Volunteers will be required to show identification badge and appropriate authorization/delegation from the Commissioning Entity, health care personnel only need to show badge
(4) Updates on the Esselunga website, under Learn More, Help Us Help You , and Priority Input https://www.esselunga.it/cms/approfondimenti/covid-19/informazioni-complete.html
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
Graduated in law, master in Food, Law & Finance. You have explored the theme of green procurement and urban food policies in the International Cooperation and Peace sector of the City of Turin.
