"Why I Broke Up with Coles and Woolworths Last Year and the Unexpected Surprises That Followed"

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The media. The government. Even Coles and Woolworths. Our trust in institutions has taken a nosedive. But why? This week, Insight explores our waning trust in institutions, and whether it can be restored. Watch Losing Trust on Tuesday 29 April at 8.30pm (AEST) on SBS and.

I never used to think too much about supermarket shopping. Like the majority of people, I was mainly concerned with getting a good bang for my buck.

While I didn’t love the experience, and certainly saw it as a chore, I was quietly aware my choice was limited. I just adhered to the fatalism of forever shopping at Coles or Woolworths.

But in the back of my mind, I knew they were both acting in ways that placed profits before people. Around a year ago, I watched a particularly telling investigation produced by ABC’s Four Corners that examined how Coles and Woolworths treated their suppliers and staff.

I realised that until now, I had been naive to the apparent disconnect between two of and the often low-paid workers on the shop floor. I thought that surely an Australian brand wouldn’t knowingly treat its staff and suppliers poorly in the pursuit of profit.

Coles and Woolworths are among the world’s most profitable supermarkets. Source: AAP / Joel Carrett

I’d been hoping that they would be behaving in a way that was running a business, but also and work with them. That they were doing what’s best for their communities.

I couldn’t put my consumer blindness aside any longer.

I made the snap decision to never set foot in a Coles or Woolworths-owned business again.

Making the switch

I then very quickly realised the complication I had added to my life: where will I now buy food? As someone who loves the uncomplicated, I tried to build caveats.

“I won’t go into Coles unless …” “Shopping at Woolworths will be a last resort when …”

That was until I saw efforts online by Canadians boycotting their major supermarket chain. Inspired, I launched a similar platform for Australians who are also frustrated by their lack of options for food shopping.

It’s been 12 months now and my food shopping looks completely different. I take a lot more time and consideration with what I buy and who I buy it from.

A woman smiling at the camera with a banana over her mouth in place of smiley lips.

Ella wants to inspire others to find new places to buy their groceries.

I am no longer unconsciously pushing a broken trolley around the same supermarket aisle listening to Coles radio under flickering fluorescent lights. Food shopping now is a fun experience.

I never thought I would say that.

My food wastage has gone down, the quality has gone up and yet, the clincher in all this: the cost has almost halved.

A graphic showing Australia’s most-distrusted brands Source: SBS

Question of geography

I live in metro Melbourne, so I can buy from farmers markets, independent stores and local greengrocers. All of which were under my nose the whole time — I was just completely unconscious to them!

I have also tried my hand at growing my own food — to limited success, but even that has been such a satisfying hobby.

Some small strawberries in the palm of the hand.

After boycotting the major supermarkets, Ella has started growing some of her own food.

In this last year I have been able to connect with others online who are looking for ways to avoid shopping with the major two.

Someone has encouraged their 70-year-old mother to go to the local butcher and greengrocer. She says it feels like the old days. But for some who live in regional and remote areas it’s almost impossible, with Coles and Woolworths having dried up the competition.

I feel a sense of responsibility to those people who have no choice. I want to put my money where my mouth is and strive for change.

Reconnecting with food and community

My trust in the major supermarkets cannot be rebuilt.

I would love to see the duopoly broken up.

I would also like to see big, tighter restrictions on land banking and buying out regional centres in an attempt to eliminate competition.

I want to build a community of people who want to and can engage with options.

In the meantime, I am loving reconnecting with food and community in this albeit strange but positive way.

And for more stories on sex, relationships, health, wealth, grief and more, head to hosted by Kumi Taguchi. Follow us on the , , , or wherever you get your podcasts.