Hexham Community Grocery
Hexham, UK
Helping bring down the cost of the weekly food shop for the people of Hexham, to help provide food for all, especially those who might be struggling. Located on the edge of the East End estate, we help lots of local households save money and reduce food waste. Our members hear about us through word of mouth, social media, leafletting and referrals (e.g. local job centre). Members pay a £5 annual fee which entitles them to visit up to 3 times per week to buy groceries at a fraction of their usual cost - enabling them to afford a good diet and essentials. One shop costs £4 (as of 4th April 2022), and includes several shelf items, 1 non-food item, chilled and frozen food, and a bakery item and any clearance stock available. Members can also buy little extras (e.g. milk, eggs and toilet roll) on top of their standard shop. With various suppliers, we rely heavily on surplus stock from supermarkets, as well as stock donations from businesses and sponsors. We also rely on financial donations to help cover running costs. We have a Pay It Forward scheme so strangers can pay ahead for another member's shop who might be struggling. The grocery offers members access to affordable food at a time that's difficult for many. Most of the shop's staff are volunteers who want to help their local community. We're a charity initiative which was begun by The Message Trust, whose first shop in Manchester opened in 2020 in response to the Covid pandemic impact on food poverty.
What we've received