Understand
Newcastle-under-Lyme opens its first social supermarket to help with cost-of-living struggles
Overview
Newcastle-under-Lyme has opened its first social supermarket, set up by Community Cupboard NUL CIC, to provide affordable groceries and greater choice for people facing food insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis. Founded by Thomas Cliffe and co-directed by Laura Steele, the store allows members to buy tokens for shopping after paying a £1 annual fee. While praised by customers and founders for offering choice and dignity compared to traditional food banks, researchers note that social supermarkets should supplement rather than replace government support.
Key points
- Newcastle-under-Lyme's first social supermarket opened on Monday, offering surplus goods at cost price or below.
- The store is run by Community Cupboard NUL CIC and provides members with tokens to choose groceries they actually want.
- Membership costs £1 for 12 months, giving locals an alternative to traditional food banks.
- Founder Thomas Cliffe was inspired to start the store after experiencing financial difficulties and struggles with accessing support.
- Researchers from Teesside University state that while social supermarkets help reduce food waste and improve food access, they should supplement rather than replace government support.