Supermarket giant Woolworths is no longer asking customers to donate to charity at self-checkouts, amid widespread frustration.
Previously, customers at Woolworths self-checkout counters had to voluntarily round their total to whole dollars, with the difference donated to one of the charity’s partners.
However, the company quietly abolished this donation option in December 2023 after a Christmas campaign with OzHarvest.
The change comes after criticism from thousands of Australians who felt the supermarket chain should instead donate a share of its profits, especially at a time when the cost of living is so low.
“A company that has made huge profits in recent years asks you to round up your purchase price to donate to all sorts of charities. What nonsense,” one customer wrote online.
“How about taking it out of shareholder dividends or executive salaries?”
Another added: ‘We are already struggling to put food on the table at the prices supermarkets charge, so why don’t they donate money and food themselves?’
Supermarket giant Woolworths has stopped asking customers to donate to charity at self-checkouts after widespread frustration
Australians have expressed anger over the feature since it was introduced in late 2022 as many began to feel the pressure of a cost-of-living crisis
However, others agreed and felt that no one should feel offended.
“I have no problem with this. It’s less than $1, and it’s usually for a good cause,” said one supporter.
A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the round-up option has generated millions of dollars.
“We would like to thank our customers for their continued support of these community initiatives,” the spokesperson said.
The supermarket chain has suggested other ways for customers to donate.
A spokesperson previously told Daily Mail Australia that ‘customers have the option to make a small donation at our self-checkouts, or they can purchase a $2 token in-store’.