Cost of living struggles inspire 'social supermarket'

Key points

• A social supermarket opened Monday in Newcastle-under-Lyme to help people with the cost of living.
• Members buy groceries at cost price or below, with more choice than food banks.
• A researcher said such stores should supplement, not replace, government support.

A new social supermarket opened for the first time on Monday in Newcastle-under-Lyme, set up by Community Cupboard NUL CIC to help people struggling with the cost of living. The store lets members buy groceries at cost price or below, offering more choice than other outlets.

Founder Thomas Cliffe said the idea came from his own experience after he left work because of anxiety. Although his wife was still employed, he said they struggled financially and could not access some forms of support.

What the founders said

Cliffe said the store offers the freedom to shop with dignity. He described the opening as exciting and said customers could choose items they would actually use.

Voluntary co-director Laura Steele said need in the area often goes unnoticed. She said one in four children experience poverty and the average income is £29,000.

It feels like Supermarket Sweep - I feel like I'm robbing the place.

— Fiona Morris

Shoppers and expert caution

Cheryl Pepper, a carer who visited after a night shift, called the supermarket absolutely brilliant. She said she spent £20 and still had tokens left, compared with £100 at Tesco.

Recent research backed the idea that social supermarkets are less off-putting than food banks and large commercial stores. But lead researcher Dr Claire O'Malley from Teesside University said they should not be viewed as a complete solution to food insecurity, and the report called for them to supplement, rather than replace, government support.