I'm kinda tempted to write to the Co-Op about this. Not sure what I could say really but... just getting somebody there to agree "yes, this is fucked, but here's our justification for it" would be interesting. The Co-Op is usually perceived as a "good" company so it's odd.

end of the day, if you're stealing a £3 block of cheese you're at your absolute lowest. you aren't sticking it on facebook marketplace for profit. you aren't selling it in the dodgy pub around the corner. you're starving.

a sign underneath the shelf that says "If you're struggling to afford stuff like food right now, please talk to us, we have contacts that can help you immediately" would go a LOT further than this bollocks.