Residents of a council estate report that a newly established “social supermarket” is providing critical support in managing household expenses.
Located at the North Bransholme Community Centre, the store offers surplus food items, including fruit, vegetables, and bread, at significantly reduced prices, with some packs available for as little as 20p.
Membership is open to area residents who receive means-tested benefits and complete a free application process.
The store’s opening day saw hundreds of visitors taking advantage of prices that are approximately one-third of those at traditional supermarkets, with managers estimating potential savings of over £200 per month for a typical family.
Kirsty Armstrong, a mother of two, shared that the store has alleviated the financial strain associated with weekly grocery shopping.
“Even when employed, it can be a real challenge to afford basic necessities like fruit,” she commented.
“I’ve spent about £6 and I’ve got bread, fruit and I am thinking about stuff in my basket that can be kept frozen.”
James Trott, 67, an early customer, intends to make the shop a regular part of his routine.
“As a pensioner, it’s a great help, especially with gas, electricity, water, rent, and council tax to cover. It’s tough for everyone on benefits in this area,” he stated.
“I’ve just got a tin of beans for 60p, they would have been double in another shop.”
This establishment marks the 15th such venture launched across the UK by the Community Shop Group, a social enterprise.
The store sources its products from food industry partners, utilizing surplus stock resulting from overstocking or seasonal packaging, all of which remain within their use-by dates.
Gary Stott, the executive chairman, emphasized that the initiative not only benefits residents of the Bransholme area but also contributes to reducing food waste.
“Surplus food does occur and we can take that in and we can relabel it and get that on sale,” Mr Stott said.
“We’ve got a retail store with 600 product lines where the average basket spend is about 30% of the retail price, and so as a family you can save £212 a month on your shopping bills.
“Even though we are a small convenience store, 30% of our basket is fruit and vegetables. That means families can come and make really healthy choices at an affordable price.”
The Community Shop Group has announced that profits generated by the store will be reinvested in a community hub, designed to support members in acquiring new skills.
Additionally, a community kitchen and cafe offer breakfasts and lunches for £1.50, and free meals are provided to children throughout the year.
Carol Redfern and her mother were among those taking advantage of the refreshments available.
“Being able to come here and get quality food cheaper, it means a lot,” she noted.
“My mum lives with me, she is disabled, so we are not on a lot of money.”
“You can come here and have something to eat and the kids eating free is brilliant.”
According to figures from the anti-poverty charity Trussel, over 700,000 individuals in Yorkshire and Humber experienced hunger in the past year due to financial constraints, with one in ten residents in the region living in “food insecure” households.
David Daniels, 73, who receives disability benefits, characterized the community store as “a needs must in this day and age.”
“I think financially it will help a lot of people,” he said. “It takes away from food banks as well.”
“People can pay reduced prices and you can get quality goods.”
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