‘Discount food for OAPS’

The SDLP Older People’s spokesperson has backed a petition calling on food outlets to designate a ‘Discount Day’ for pensioners.

The ‘Silver Saver’ campaign emerged as an initiative from the North’s Pensioners Parliament.

Average food prices have risen 26 per cent between June 2007 and June 2011. Over the same period the state pension has only increased by 17 per cent.

Someone over 75 will spend almost twice as much on food as someone under 30.

Mr Eastwood commented: “This initiative makes sense for pensioners and for food retailers.

“Pensioners are amongst the most vulnerable when it comes to price inflation for groceries. In these times of acute hardship and austerity is essential that initiatives such as these are supported.”

“The weekly shop is becoming an increasing financial burden for our pensioners. A designated discount day would be of great assistance to many of our people.”

He said food retailers themselves would gain from the initaitve.

The wording of the petition states: “I support the ‘Silver Saver’ campaign and therefore call on food retailers to introduce a pensioner ‘Discount Day’ to help older shoppers cope with the rising cost of living and enable them to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.”

The petition can be signed at www.silversaver.org.uk.