Could a social supermarket cut your food bill? | Tenant news

The weekly food shop can be a real drain on your budget, but your local supermarket isn’t the only place to stock your cupboards.

Social supermarkets offer everyday groceries and household staples at much lower prices, and there might be one right on your doorstep.

What is a social supermarket?

Social supermarkets are different from food banks in that you usually pay for what you take, rather than receiving a food parcel. Many are run by charities or community organisations and stock food donated by supermarkets, manufacturers and other businesses.

What’s available can change from week to week, so you may find different products each time you visit.

Savings and membership

Prices vary between social supermarkets, but you can often pay considerably less than you would in a regular shop. Some operate through a membership scheme, which may mean you need to meet certain criteria or live in a particular area. Others are open to anyone in the local community.

It’s worth checking how your local scheme works before you visit, including any membership requirements, opening times and what you need to bring with you.

Find one near you

Social supermarkets can have different names, including community shops, food pantries and food clubs. Searching online using these terms can help you find schemes in your area.

Try searching for “social supermarket” followed by your town or postcode, or check your local council’s website for food support. Local charities and community organisations may also be able to point you towards schemes nearby.

Some are part of larger networks, while others are run independently in local communities, so what’s available will depend on where you live. A few UK organisations offering affordable food through social supermarkets, community groceries and similar schemes, includes:

• Community Grocery
• Shop and Donate
• Community Shop

Other food support

If you’re struggling to cover the cost of food, food banks can provide emergency food parcels. To get help from a food bank you'll need to be referred by a community agency for a food voucher. The voucher is then exchanged at the food bank for a food parcel.

You can find out more about your nearest food bank through the Trussell Trust.

You can find more information about food support and help with household costs in Habinteg’s Cost of Living Support Hub.

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