The problem is that if everyone with special needs qualified for a priority slot, nobody would ever get one, so they worked out what the supermarkets could realistically manage and gave a hefty proportion over to those they thought to be most in danger.
My mother's ridiculously low (but apparently rather feisty) immune system qualifies her, even though being unable to do anything for herself whatsoever doesn't, so we're one of the 2 million or so On Zee List! However I've not used that, because we have neighbours who would get things for us if I asked... I'm just too proud (stupid) to ask.
So I've been making it my job to get a slot at Tesco. Logging on is now an hourly job if I haven't got a slot, and so far I've managed pretty well. Checking in the night, when I'm up with Mum for the loo or because she's unsettled, helps; especially between about 5am and 7. In fact this week I've cancelled a slot because I had too much success and don't need anything really.
Iceland is my best bet though. In fact they email me when they've got a slot, and they release their general slots at about 11am round here. So I'd be able to get a slot for the day after tomorrow fairly easily most days.... probably because their range is very limited and so don't have substitutions for most things, so folk will probably be put off.
However I'm just grateful when anything turns up at the door. I hate not being able to go and snaffle reduced to clear stuff at Tesco, but while the world's a bit of a gamble I've overcome my hatred of home shopping laziness to become reliant on it... for now.
Of course all this is heavily reliant on availability locally, so my experience may just be fortunate. If slots dry up though, these are my emergency links for food parcels...
https://www.aldi.co.uk/aldi-food-parcel-/p/000000384202100
Essential Food Box (Delivery Included) at Home Bargains
www.homebargains.co.uk
Can't get out for essentials? We'll bring them to you. Our new Food Boxes are designed to provide you with everyday essentials, without needing to leave your home.
www.morrisons.com