A new “social supermarket” has opened at the Walworth Peabody Estate, offering low-cost food and everyday essentials to local people.
Shoppers can access up to £25 worth of groceries for £5 at the community food hub, which is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm.
Based at the Walworth Community Centre at the heart of the neighbourhood on Rodney Road, it provides a range of healthy produce at reduced prices. It aims to help people make their money go further, as many households continue to face rising living costs.
The supermarket is run by Spring Community Hub, a charity that supports communities across Southwark and Havering through food programmes, advice services and activities for people of all ages. The initiative is supported by £5,000 funding from Peabody Community Foundation, the charitable arm of not-for-profit housing association Peabody.
It is open to people on low and no incomes and those eligible to receive universal credit. People must register online before shopping. Members can choose from a range of fresh and frozen foods and cupboard essentials, as well as personal hygiene products.
Visitors can also find out more about the other services available through Spring Community Hub and find out what other support is available through Peabody and other local organisations.
One team member at Spring Community Hub, said: “It warms my heart to do this kind of work. I love meeting people when they come through the door and getting to know them. Whatever someone would like to share, or if they need support with something, I’m always happy to listen and help where I can.”
Rebecca Arlek, Community Investment Lead at Peabody, said: “The social supermarket is a welcoming community space where residents can get food and everyday essentials and find out about local services and activities, connect with others and access support when they need it.”
Plans are also being developed for a community café in the space, creating another place for local people to meet, spend time together and connect with their neighbours.
The social supermarket is based at the Walworth Community Centre and is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm. To register, see here: https://forms.zohopublic.eu/officespringcom1/form/SpringOverallRegistrationForm/formperma/gTRATCXIc8U45MLKpG-Gryks9cwr3OLpN5Q7MQ2Dxjs
