The store works on a members-only model, with membership available to local people on means-tested benefits
North Bransholme Community Shop
A new store selling donated surplus items has opened in Bransholme. The North Bransholme Community Shop will offer vital support to people in the area.
The shop, located within the North Bransholme Community Centre on Lothian Way, comprises of three interconnected spaces, each of which serve an important community role. The three spaces are: the Community Store, offering discounted food and essentials including fruit, vegetables and bread for 20p; the Community Hub, delivering holistic support and skills-building programmes; and the Community Kitchen, a café offering home-cooked meals where kids eat free every day.
According to Community Shop Group, to date Community Store has saved members over £65.8m on their food shopping, Community Hubs have delivered more than 272,000 development programmes, and Community Kitchens have served more than 1 million free meals to children.
The store works on a members-only model, with membership available to local people on means-tested benefits. It is free to sign up and receive and a membership.
The new Hull site has been supported by McCain Foods, which previously funded the Community Shop in Eastfield near Scarborough. The frozen food brand will continue to donate surplus products to the new store.
Speaking to Hull Live, the CEO of Community Shop, Gary Stott said: “Community Shop is the UK’s first social supermarket, and we’ve got a mission to build strong individuals and confident communities. The way we do that is we partner with local authorities, and businesses, in this instance like McCain, in order to utilise some brilliant buildings like the community centre.”
Mr Stott said that on average members save around 30% when shopping at the store. He added that he is “delighted” to bring Community Shop to Hull, with the store becoming the 15th in the country.
“It’s been brilliantly received, we’ve had load of amazing people come along. The local community partners who have been with us every step of the way,” he said.
The Lord Mayor and Admiral of the Humber, Cllr Cheryl Payne officially opened the Community Shop by cutting the ribbon. Jimmy Trott, who was the first customer into the Community Shop after the ribbon was cut. He told Hull Live: “It’s brilliant, I like it. It’s helps people out. There’s a lot more people than I thought there would be.”
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