Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ program, promoting healthy eating by offering free fruit to children while shopping, has gained popularity across Australia.

In the last year alone, over 30 million pieces of fruit were given out, contributing to the substantial 160 million pieces since the program’s start.

However, despite its success, there are reports of adults taking advantage of the free fruit meant for children.

This happened to Jessica, who was left utterly speechless by the antics of a fellow shopper. Sharing on social media, she began her tale with, ‘So I've just been to Woolworths, and I have literally seen it all…’

Then, she revealed that one man tried to walk away with 10 free bananas from Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand at the self-serve checkout, despite having no children in tow.

She narrated: ‘There was a guy, probably in his fifties, at self-serve and he had 10 bananas. And he called the lady over from self-serve and wanted them for free.’

‘You know how Woolworths give the bananas to each child—like one per child—to walk around the shop eating?’

‘He tried to get the 10 bananas for free, and she was like, “You don’t even have any kids with you.”’

‘So then I said jokingly, “Oh god, now I’ve seen it all.” And he made a complaint that we were talking about him!’

‘Like, mate, my groceries just cost $375—I just bought bananas!’

‘Pay for them,’ she concluded.

While most Woolies shoppers follow the offer, there are occasional reports of adults helping themselves to the ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ initiative. Image source: Facebook/@zatul.fakharuldin

The story caused quite a stir among the public, with many believing that the man may have been struggling financially.

Jessica responded to this by saying: ‘Maybe, but hard times don't buy chocolate and ice cream and nonessential food.’

‘If you’re hungry and struggling, I’m the type of person I’d pay for your groceries—this was just greedy,’ she added.

When someone mentioned some parents were sending their kids in for fruit, she replied: ‘I don’t even mind that—I would rather the kid not be hungry at school. But it’s not like he just came in to get the free fruit.’

Some of them were upset to see people abuse the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative, while others were sympathetic.

‘The problem is if people keep taking it, they won’t have it any more for the kids,’ one wrote.

‘My local Woolies has stopped the free fruit baskets altogether because of this,’ shared another.

‘He deserves people to be talking about his shameful behaviour,’ commented a third.

‘It's meant for the needy, not the greedy. For f***’s sake, it’s for kids,’ said a fourth.

However, some were unashamed about taking the free fruit for themselves.

‘I take the kids fruit all the time, I'm 31,’ one said unapologetically.

Video source: TikTok/@jessicastudders28​

On the other hand, Woolworths is winning praise for giving away free water bottles to shoppers as a heat relief measure.
A photo of the free water bottles became popular on social media, with shoppers hailing it as a 'great idea.'

Read the full story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Woolworths customer attempted to take 10 bananas without payment from the store's ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand, despite not having any children with him.
• The incident was shared on social media, sparking debate among other shoppers.
• While some sympathised that the man might have been struggling, others criticised the misuse of the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative.
• The shopper who witnessed the incident argued that hardship does not justify the man's actions, especially as he was also buying non-essential food items.

Members, what do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[IAN3005]

Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ program, promoting healthy eating by offering free fruit to children while shopping, has gained popularity across Australia.

In the last year alone, over 30 million pieces of fruit were given out, contributing to the substantial 160 million pieces since the program’s start.

However, despite its success, there are reports of adults taking advantage of the free fruit meant for children.

This happened to Jessica, who was left utterly speechless by the antics of a fellow shopper. Sharing on social media, she began her tale with, ‘So I've just been to Woolworths, and I have literally seen it all…’

Then, she revealed that one man tried to walk away with 10 free bananas from Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand at the self-serve checkout, despite having no children in tow.

She narrated: ‘There was a guy, probably in his fifties, at self-serve and he had 10 bananas. And he called the lady over from self-serve and wanted them for free.’

‘You know how Woolworths give the bananas to each child—like one per child—to walk around the shop eating?’

‘He tried to get the 10 bananas for free, and she was like, “You don’t even have any kids with you.”’

‘So then I said jokingly, “Oh god, now I’ve seen it all.” And he made a complaint that we were talking about him!’

‘Like, mate, my groceries just cost $375—I just bought bananas!’

‘Pay for them,’ she concluded.

View attachment 34787

While most Woolies shoppers follow the offer, there are occasional reports of adults helping themselves to the ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ initiative. Image source: Facebook/@zatul.fakharuldin

The story caused quite a stir among the public, with many believing that the man may have been struggling financially.

Jessica responded to this by saying: ‘Maybe, but hard times don't buy chocolate and ice cream and nonessential food.’

‘If you’re hungry and struggling, I’m the type of person I’d pay for your groceries—this was just greedy,’ she added.

When someone mentioned some parents were sending their kids in for fruit, she replied: ‘I don’t even mind that—I would rather the kid not be hungry at school. But it’s not like he just came in to get the free fruit.’

Some of them were upset to see people abuse the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative, while others were sympathetic.

‘The problem is if people keep taking it, they won’t have it any more for the kids,’ one wrote.

‘My local Woolies has stopped the free fruit baskets altogether because of this,’ shared another.

‘He deserves people to be talking about his shameful behaviour,’ commented a third.

‘It's meant for the needy, not the greedy. For f***’s sake, it’s for kids,’ said a fourth.

However, some were unashamed about taking the free fruit for themselves.

‘I take the kids fruit all the time, I'm 31,’ one said unapologetically.

Video source: TikTok/@jessicastudders28​

On the other hand, Woolworths is winning praise for giving away free water bottles to shoppers as a heat relief measure.
A photo of the free water bottles became popular on social media, with shoppers hailing it as a 'great idea.'

Read the full story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Woolworths customer attempted to take 10 bananas without payment from the store's ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand, despite not having any children with him.
• The incident was shared on social media, sparking debate among other shoppers.
• While some sympathised that the man might have been struggling, others criticised the misuse of the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative.
• The shopper who witnessed the incident argued that hardship does not justify the man's actions, especially as he was also buying non-essential food items.

Members, what do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Book him for attempted shoplifting... that will stop his far**** in Church.....

 

[MaggieMay1948]

Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ program, promoting healthy eating by offering free fruit to children while shopping, has gained popularity across Australia.

In the last year alone, over 30 million pieces of fruit were given out, contributing to the substantial 160 million pieces since the program’s start.

However, despite its success, there are reports of adults taking advantage of the free fruit meant for children.

This happened to Jessica, who was left utterly speechless by the antics of a fellow shopper. Sharing on social media, she began her tale with, ‘So I've just been to Woolworths, and I have literally seen it all…’

Then, she revealed that one man tried to walk away with 10 free bananas from Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand at the self-serve checkout, despite having no children in tow.

She narrated: ‘There was a guy, probably in his fifties, at self-serve and he had 10 bananas. And he called the lady over from self-serve and wanted them for free.’

‘You know how Woolworths give the bananas to each child—like one per child—to walk around the shop eating?’

‘He tried to get the 10 bananas for free, and she was like, “You don’t even have any kids with you.”’

‘So then I said jokingly, “Oh god, now I’ve seen it all.” And he made a complaint that we were talking about him!’

‘Like, mate, my groceries just cost $375—I just bought bananas!’

‘Pay for them,’ she concluded.

View attachment 34787

While most Woolies shoppers follow the offer, there are occasional reports of adults helping themselves to the ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ initiative. Image source: Facebook/@zatul.fakharuldin

The story caused quite a stir among the public, with many believing that the man may have been struggling financially.

Jessica responded to this by saying: ‘Maybe, but hard times don't buy chocolate and ice cream and nonessential food.’

‘If you’re hungry and struggling, I’m the type of person I’d pay for your groceries—this was just greedy,’ she added.

When someone mentioned some parents were sending their kids in for fruit, she replied: ‘I don’t even mind that—I would rather the kid not be hungry at school. But it’s not like he just came in to get the free fruit.’

Some of them were upset to see people abuse the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative, while others were sympathetic.

‘The problem is if people keep taking it, they won’t have it any more for the kids,’ one wrote.

‘My local Woolies has stopped the free fruit baskets altogether because of this,’ shared another.

‘He deserves people to be talking about his shameful behaviour,’ commented a third.

‘It's meant for the needy, not the greedy. For f***’s sake, it’s for kids,’ said a fourth.

However, some were unashamed about taking the free fruit for themselves.

‘I take the kids fruit all the time, I'm 31,’ one said unapologetically.

Video source: TikTok/@jessicastudders28​

On the other hand, Woolworths is winning praise for giving away free water bottles to shoppers as a heat relief measure.
A photo of the free water bottles became popular on social media, with shoppers hailing it as a 'great idea.'

Read the full story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Woolworths customer attempted to take 10 bananas without payment from the store's ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand, despite not having any children with him.
• The incident was shared on social media, sparking debate among other shoppers.
• While some sympathised that the man might have been struggling, others criticised the misuse of the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative.
• The shopper who witnessed the incident argued that hardship does not justify the man's actions, especially as he was also buying non-essential food items.

Members, what do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The free fruit is there for KIDS! Not adults without kids. If the fruit was there for the needy it would say so.

Anybody who takes the food out of the mouth of babes is a selfish low-life. There is no excuse for that.

 

[Singomate]

Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ program, promoting healthy eating by offering free fruit to children while shopping, has gained popularity across Australia.

In the last year alone, over 30 million pieces of fruit were given out, contributing to the substantial 160 million pieces since the program’s start.

However, despite its success, there are reports of adults taking advantage of the free fruit meant for children.

This happened to Jessica, who was left utterly speechless by the antics of a fellow shopper. Sharing on social media, she began her tale with, ‘So I've just been to Woolworths, and I have literally seen it all…’

Then, she revealed that one man tried to walk away with 10 free bananas from Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand at the self-serve checkout, despite having no children in tow.

She narrated: ‘There was a guy, probably in his fifties, at self-serve and he had 10 bananas. And he called the lady over from self-serve and wanted them for free.’

‘You know how Woolworths give the bananas to each child—like one per child—to walk around the shop eating?’

‘He tried to get the 10 bananas for free, and she was like, “You don’t even have any kids with you.”’

‘So then I said jokingly, “Oh god, now I’ve seen it all.” And he made a complaint that we were talking about him!’

‘Like, mate, my groceries just cost $375—I just bought bananas!’

‘Pay for them,’ she concluded.

View attachment 34787

While most Woolies shoppers follow the offer, there are occasional reports of adults helping themselves to the ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ initiative. Image source: Facebook/@zatul.fakharuldin

The story caused quite a stir among the public, with many believing that the man may have been struggling financially.

Jessica responded to this by saying: ‘Maybe, but hard times don't buy chocolate and ice cream and nonessential food.’

‘If you’re hungry and struggling, I’m the type of person I’d pay for your groceries—this was just greedy,’ she added.

When someone mentioned some parents were sending their kids in for fruit, she replied: ‘I don’t even mind that—I would rather the kid not be hungry at school. But it’s not like he just came in to get the free fruit.’

Some of them were upset to see people abuse the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative, while others were sympathetic.

‘The problem is if people keep taking it, they won’t have it any more for the kids,’ one wrote.

‘My local Woolies has stopped the free fruit baskets altogether because of this,’ shared another.

‘He deserves people to be talking about his shameful behaviour,’ commented a third.

‘It's meant for the needy, not the greedy. For f***’s sake, it’s for kids,’ said a fourth.

However, some were unashamed about taking the free fruit for themselves.

‘I take the kids fruit all the time, I'm 31,’ one said unapologetically.

Video source: TikTok/@jessicastudders28​

On the other hand, Woolworths is winning praise for giving away free water bottles to shoppers as a heat relief measure.
A photo of the free water bottles became popular on social media, with shoppers hailing it as a 'great idea.'

Read the full story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Woolworths customer attempted to take 10 bananas without payment from the store's ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand, despite not having any children with him.
• The incident was shared on social media, sparking debate among other shoppers.
• While some sympathised that the man might have been struggling, others criticised the misuse of the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative.
• The shopper who witnessed the incident argued that hardship does not justify the man's actions, especially as he was also buying non-essential food items.

Members, what do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Of course it takes one d----head to spoil it for all you can understand the Company's stand they don't need the extra grief.

 

[Pat T]

Maybe they can have the fruit at the checkout and hand it out to kids as the groceries are being paid.

 

[Shane/#]

Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ program, promoting healthy eating by offering free fruit to children while shopping, has gained popularity across Australia.

In the last year alone, over 30 million pieces of fruit were given out, contributing to the substantial 160 million pieces since the program’s start.

However, despite its success, there are reports of adults taking advantage of the free fruit meant for children.

This happened to Jessica, who was left utterly speechless by the antics of a fellow shopper. Sharing on social media, she began her tale with, ‘So I've just been to Woolworths, and I have literally seen it all…’

Then, she revealed that one man tried to walk away with 10 free bananas from Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand at the self-serve checkout, despite having no children in tow.

She narrated: ‘There was a guy, probably in his fifties, at self-serve and he had 10 bananas. And he called the lady over from self-serve and wanted them for free.’

‘You know how Woolworths give the bananas to each child—like one per child—to walk around the shop eating?’

‘He tried to get the 10 bananas for free, and she was like, “You don’t even have any kids with you.”’

‘So then I said jokingly, “Oh god, now I’ve seen it all.” And he made a complaint that we were talking about him!’

‘Like, mate, my groceries just cost $375—I just bought bananas!’

‘Pay for them,’ she concluded.

View attachment 34787

While most Woolies shoppers follow the offer, there are occasional reports of adults helping themselves to the ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ initiative. Image source: Facebook/@zatul.fakharuldin

The story caused quite a stir among the public, with many believing that the man may have been struggling financially.

Jessica responded to this by saying: ‘Maybe, but hard times don't buy chocolate and ice cream and nonessential food.’

‘If you’re hungry and struggling, I’m the type of person I’d pay for your groceries—this was just greedy,’ she added.

When someone mentioned some parents were sending their kids in for fruit, she replied: ‘I don’t even mind that—I would rather the kid not be hungry at school. But it’s not like he just came in to get the free fruit.’

Some of them were upset to see people abuse the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative, while others were sympathetic.

‘The problem is if people keep taking it, they won’t have it any more for the kids,’ one wrote.

‘My local Woolies has stopped the free fruit baskets altogether because of this,’ shared another.

‘He deserves people to be talking about his shameful behaviour,’ commented a third.

‘It's meant for the needy, not the greedy. For f***’s sake, it’s for kids,’ said a fourth.

However, some were unashamed about taking the free fruit for themselves.

‘I take the kids fruit all the time, I'm 31,’ one said unapologetically.

Video source: TikTok/@jessicastudders28​

On the other hand, Woolworths is winning praise for giving away free water bottles to shoppers as a heat relief measure.
A photo of the free water bottles became popular on social media, with shoppers hailing it as a 'great idea.'

Read the full story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Woolworths customer attempted to take 10 bananas without payment from the store's ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand, despite not having any children with him.
• The incident was shared on social media, sparking debate among other shoppers.
• While some sympathised that the man might have been struggling, others criticised the misuse of the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative.
• The shopper who witnessed the incident argued that hardship does not justify the man's actions, especially as he was also buying non-essential food items.

Members, what do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Parasite

 

[Veggiepatch]

Saw a woman try the same stunt last week but she never made it to the checkout. She was pulled up by a shop assistant and told to put the fruit back. The silly buzzard was alone without kids!

 

[Annna]

Use an AI device to take a picture of the person taking the fruit and project it prominently on the wall.

They have the tech.

 

[KatKop]

Free water bottles? In other words, empty bottles without water? How is that a 'heat relief measure'?

We do regular house-and-petsitting, and my experience of a diverse range of households is that water bottles are the new Tupperware. Almost every kitchen has water bottles tumbling from shelves and one cannot even stack them like with plastic containers.

 

[LeahI]

Maybe they can have the fruit at the checkout and hand it out to kids as the groceries are being paid.

The idea is to give to the kids to keep them amused while shopping not at the end.

 

[Catherine e]

Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ program, promoting healthy eating by offering free fruit to children while shopping, has gained popularity across Australia.

In the last year alone, over 30 million pieces of fruit were given out, contributing to the substantial 160 million pieces since the program’s start.

However, despite its success, there are reports of adults taking advantage of the free fruit meant for children.

This happened to Jessica, who was left utterly speechless by the antics of a fellow shopper. Sharing on social media, she began her tale with, ‘So I've just been to Woolworths, and I have literally seen it all…’

Then, she revealed that one man tried to walk away with 10 free bananas from Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand at the self-serve checkout, despite having no children in tow.

She narrated: ‘There was a guy, probably in his fifties, at self-serve and he had 10 bananas. And he called the lady over from self-serve and wanted them for free.’

‘You know how Woolworths give the bananas to each child—like one per child—to walk around the shop eating?’

‘He tried to get the 10 bananas for free, and she was like, “You don’t even have any kids with you.”’

‘So then I said jokingly, “Oh god, now I’ve seen it all.” And he made a complaint that we were talking about him!’

‘Like, mate, my groceries just cost $375—I just bought bananas!’

‘Pay for them,’ she concluded.

View attachment 34787

While most Woolies shoppers follow the offer, there are occasional reports of adults helping themselves to the ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ initiative. Image source: Facebook/@zatul.fakharuldin

The story caused quite a stir among the public, with many believing that the man may have been struggling financially.

Jessica responded to this by saying: ‘Maybe, but hard times don't buy chocolate and ice cream and nonessential food.’

‘If you’re hungry and struggling, I’m the type of person I’d pay for your groceries—this was just greedy,’ she added.

When someone mentioned some parents were sending their kids in for fruit, she replied: ‘I don’t even mind that—I would rather the kid not be hungry at school. But it’s not like he just came in to get the free fruit.’

Some of them were upset to see people abuse the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative, while others were sympathetic.

‘The problem is if people keep taking it, they won’t have it any more for the kids,’ one wrote.

‘My local Woolies has stopped the free fruit baskets altogether because of this,’ shared another.

‘He deserves people to be talking about his shameful behaviour,’ commented a third.

‘It's meant for the needy, not the greedy. For f***’s sake, it’s for kids,’ said a fourth.

However, some were unashamed about taking the free fruit for themselves.

‘I take the kids fruit all the time, I'm 31,’ one said unapologetically.

Video source: TikTok/@jessicastudders28​

On the other hand, Woolworths is winning praise for giving away free water bottles to shoppers as a heat relief measure.
A photo of the free water bottles became popular on social media, with shoppers hailing it as a 'great idea.'

Read the full story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Woolworths customer attempted to take 10 bananas without payment from the store's ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand, despite not having any children with him.
• The incident was shared on social media, sparking debate among other shoppers.
• While some sympathised that the man might have been struggling, others criticised the misuse of the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative.
• The shopper who witnessed the incident argued that hardship does not justify the man's actions, especially as he was also buying non-essential food items.

Members, what do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

I always thought I was a great idea to help with the chaos that is within the shop and definitely at the checkout where the lollies are while shopping with little ones. Emphasis on the with little ones.

 

[Colette 3799]

Free water bottles? In other words, empty bottles without water? How is that a 'heat relief measure'?

We do regular house-and-petsitting, and my experience of a diverse range of households is that water bottles are the new Tupperware. Almost every kitchen has water bottles tumbling from shelves and one cannot even stack them like with plastic containers.

The bottles do have water in them lol

 

[Gsr]

Wow, go woollies, the Bunnings I work at has been providing free cold bottles of water on hot days to customers since it opened over 11 years ago. They also regularly provide cold water and super doopers to team members. When a team member is giving out super doopers they offer them to customers as well.

 

[Vinylted]

In my experience the free fruit for kids (especially bananas) are very close to the chuck out stage ie very ripe, I have included some in with my green bananas AND paid for them at the checkout! ( ie: my wife won't eat what she calls unripe bananas, they have to be speckled stage +)

 

[magpie1]

In my experience the free fruit for kids (especially bananas) are very close to the chuck out stage ie very ripe, I have included some in with my green bananas AND paid for them at the checkout! ( ie: my wife won't eat what she calls unripe bananas, they have to be speckled stage +)

lots of kids prefer 'RIPE' bananas to eat....even very ripe bananas....I've not seen over ripe bananas on display for the kids to eat.....they certainly don't last long on display, that's for sure.

 

[maggiej]

I am totally against this stupid and dangerous idea. WHy? Because a couple of years ago in Coles fortunately my husband was with me, I walked down the aisles and noticed a banana skin left on a shelf then I continued on and went around the end of the aisles, and unbeknown to me at the time was a piece of Banana. I am not sure whether it was skin or just some part of the fruit because I slipped very badly. Going around a corner it was not noticeable to me. As it was near the yogurts etc and the shop assistant was filling shelves she turned as I thought it must have been water but she said no it was Banana. Eventually, with assistance, I was able to get up and a wheelchair was found from the shopping centre to get me to my car and to get further help. But the main thing is if I had been a person who was frail such as with hip problems it would more likely of ended with much more damage to them. I complained to Coles about this idiotic idea and how unsafe this was and it could be a very costly problem for Coles. I have not noticed the free fruit since in our store

 

[DLHM]

I am totally against this stupid and dangerous idea. WHy? Because a couple of years ago in Coles fortunately my husband was with me, I walked down the aisles and noticed a banana skin left on a shelf then I continued on and went around the end of the aisles, and unbeknown to me at the time was a piece of Banana. I am not sure whether it was skin or just some part of the fruit because I slipped very badly. Going around a corner it was not noticeable to me. As it was near the yogurts etc and the shop assistant was filling shelves she turned as I thought it must have been water but she said no it was Banana. Eventually, with assistance, I was able to get up and a wheelchair was found from the shopping centre to get me to my car and to get further help. But the main thing is if I had been a person who was frail such as with hip problems it would more likely of ended with much more damage to them. I complained to Coles about this idiotic idea and how unsafe this was and it could be a very costly problem for Coles. I have not noticed the free fruit since in our store

The free fruit for kids isn’t an “idiotic idea”. It’s the duty of the person or people responsible for the child to ensure the uneaten fruit is disposed of properly.

 

[magpie1]

The free fruit for kids isn’t an “idiotic idea”. It’s the duty of the person or people responsible for the child to ensure the uneaten fruit is disposed of properly.

I think it is a valid point, not an idiotic idea though. Watching every bite your child makes and doing your shopping at the same time, I can see how this could easily occur. Maybe they could give away some other fruit who knows ? Shoppers safety in store is more important than a free banana any day, for young or old.

 

[maggiej]

Just an addition to my story above... If parents would make some rules when out shopping life would be so much easier and enjoyable for them as well as other shoppers. I made it a rule when my first child was born that I would buy him a chocolate frog but it could not be eaten in the car and until we got home, I never had the problem that I see some parents and children have these days

 

[MariaG]

Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ program, promoting healthy eating by offering free fruit to children while shopping, has gained popularity across Australia.

In the last year alone, over 30 million pieces of fruit were given out, contributing to the substantial 160 million pieces since the program’s start.

However, despite its success, there are reports of adults taking advantage of the free fruit meant for children.

This happened to Jessica, who was left utterly speechless by the antics of a fellow shopper. Sharing on social media, she began her tale with, ‘So I've just been to Woolworths, and I have literally seen it all…’

Then, she revealed that one man tried to walk away with 10 free bananas from Woolworths’ ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand at the self-serve checkout, despite having no children in tow.

She narrated: ‘There was a guy, probably in his fifties, at self-serve and he had 10 bananas. And he called the lady over from self-serve and wanted them for free.’

‘You know how Woolworths give the bananas to each child—like one per child—to walk around the shop eating?’

‘He tried to get the 10 bananas for free, and she was like, “You don’t even have any kids with you.”’

‘So then I said jokingly, “Oh god, now I’ve seen it all.” And he made a complaint that we were talking about him!’

‘Like, mate, my groceries just cost $375—I just bought bananas!’

‘Pay for them,’ she concluded.

View attachment 34787

While most Woolies shoppers follow the offer, there are occasional reports of adults helping themselves to the ‘Free Fruit for Kids’ initiative. Image source: Facebook/@zatul.fakharuldin

The story caused quite a stir among the public, with many believing that the man may have been struggling financially.

Jessica responded to this by saying: ‘Maybe, but hard times don't buy chocolate and ice cream and nonessential food.’

‘If you’re hungry and struggling, I’m the type of person I’d pay for your groceries—this was just greedy,’ she added.

When someone mentioned some parents were sending their kids in for fruit, she replied: ‘I don’t even mind that—I would rather the kid not be hungry at school. But it’s not like he just came in to get the free fruit.’

Some of them were upset to see people abuse the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative, while others were sympathetic.

‘The problem is if people keep taking it, they won’t have it any more for the kids,’ one wrote.

‘My local Woolies has stopped the free fruit baskets altogether because of this,’ shared another.

‘He deserves people to be talking about his shameful behaviour,’ commented a third.

‘It's meant for the needy, not the greedy. For f***’s sake, it’s for kids,’ said a fourth.

However, some were unashamed about taking the free fruit for themselves.

‘I take the kids fruit all the time, I'm 31,’ one said unapologetically.

Video source: TikTok/@jessicastudders28​

On the other hand, Woolworths is winning praise for giving away free water bottles to shoppers as a heat relief measure.
A photo of the free water bottles became popular on social media, with shoppers hailing it as a 'great idea.'

Read the full story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Woolworths customer attempted to take 10 bananas without payment from the store's ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ stand, despite not having any children with him.
• The incident was shared on social media, sparking debate among other shoppers.
• While some sympathised that the man might have been struggling, others criticised the misuse of the ‘Free Fruit For Kids’ initiative.
• The shopper who witnessed the incident argued that hardship does not justify the man's actions, especially as he was also buying non-essential food items.

Members, what do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

I think the sign is clear enough.
Quite nice to see the little ones chomping away whilst in the trolley seat instead of doing the tiny tantrum I want thing.
Shame the man saw this as an open invitation.