Hambleton Community Action
Northallerton, UK
Opened in December 2023, our Social Supermarket “Pantry and Produce”, located within our High Street hub "UpFront", has quickly established itself as a much-needed service in our community. It differs from a foodbank in that it is neither means-tested nor dependent on referral, is truly non-discriminatory and therefore open to all. Many of those struggling to cope with the rise in the cost of living need to make their money go further but are ineligible or reluctant to use a foodbank. The social supermarket model works on a membership basis and offers an opportunity to choose the contents of your shopping basket for yourself. £3 buys 8 items and £5 buys 15 items. You may shop twice per week. The income from the pantry is used to purchase further stock with a small contribution towards overheads. In addition we run recipe swaps and demonstrations with tastings to help people learn to cook from scratch and redistribute goods for free that are close to their best- before- dates. When local retailers donate on an ad hoc basis, we offer their provisions free of charge from the reception area in "UpFront". Anybody walking into our premises may help themselves. Our aim is to reduce food waste and improve access to food alongside wrap around support. This is one of a range of practical interventions including one-to-one and group social activities, transport provision and supported volunteering. This social supermarket model allows individuals to make their own choices and pay towards their purchases. It recognises the need for self-respect and freedom of choice and complements the foodbank model.
What we've received

