A Woolworths customer said they were left shocked after being encouraged to donate food during a cost of living crisis.
The angry customer was shopping in one of the supermarkets when he saw an OzHarvest food cart outside the store.
The cart already contained a number of messages that would eventually be sent to Australians struggling over the Christmas period.
The customer said they were stunned after being encouraged to donate when millions across the country are struggling due to rising inflation and skyrocketing bills.
Social media users defended the supermarket, saying the food drive has been going on for years, while Woolworths has promised to match donations.
A Woolworths customer was outraged by the OzHarvest food cart (above) in her store, claiming it was 'disgusting', amid accusations of price gouging against the grocer
“We are in one of the worst cost of living crises in Australian history and Woolworths, a multi-billion dollar company, is currently being blamed for price hikes during the crisis,” the outraged shopper wrote on Reddit.
“They also have the audacity to ask us to donate to people suffering from the cost of living crisis, instead of lowering their prices to keep them affordable.”
The customer admitted that he had to change his spending habits since inflation started driving up the price of groceries.
“As someone who struggles to put good meals on my plate and has had to give up the idea that spaghetti bolognese is a 'cheap' meal to feed the family, I am absolutely disgusted that they ask us to buy things from their store and donate,” they said.
'Woolworths must be sternly confronted and forced to do something about their prices or they will be forced to donate themselves to those who cannot afford groceries from their stores.'
Some social media users agreed they would not be able to donate due to the financial pressures over the Christmas holidays.
Others pointed out that it was important that Woolworths continued its food drive to help struggling Australians – especially during difficult times.
“They make donating to OzHarvest accessible anywhere in the country? How is that bad?' wrote one.
'Just drop by if you don't want or can't donate. And if you're really struggling, why not check out OzHarvest.”
Another added: 'This is like being mad at the local library for having that box where you can recycle batteries.'
“Jeepers, what rock did you crawl out from under?” a third wrote.
Woolworths has been working with OzHarvest since 2014 and has pledged to match all donations made before December 26
'These have been around for years. You do realize that you can also bring items from home to donate.
'Many schools also have this. You put the pitchfork away and the high horse back in the stable.'
Woolworths has pledged to match all donations to OzHarvest until December 26, doubling the amount the charity will receive.
Woolworths partnered with OzHarvest in 2014, which provides surplus food to those in need, and has donated the equivalent of 70 million meals worth $15 million.
“We are acutely aware of the pressures placed on Australian families by the rise in the cost of living,” he saidsaid director Natalie Davis.
'For many Australians, Christmas is a joyful time, but for those who don't know how to put food on the table, the holiday season is very stressful.
'Despite household budgets being tight, we continue to see the amazing generosity of our customers and teams through the appeals we run in support of various charity partners.
“These gestures go a long way and we hope that our contributions throughout the year, including the $8 million donated by Woolworths to our food rescue partners in August, can amplify OzHarvest's impact even further.”