How much do groceries cost at the charity community shop?

Groceries at the community shop cost approximately 25% less than in regular supermarkets, with shoppers noting significant savings.

What is The Message Trust's community shop initiative?

The Message Trust runs members-only community shops selling donated and discounted food at heavily reduced prices to combat food insecurity.

How many community shops has The Message Trust opened?

The charity has rapidly expanded its initiative, now operating 34 community shops across the country with around 100,000 members.

Home / Business and Economy / Charity Shop Sells Groceries at Rock-Bottom Prices

Charity Shop Sells Groceries at Rock-Bottom Prices

24 Jan

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Summary

A charity shop offers groceries at a fraction of supermarket costs.
The initiative combats food insecurity by utilizing donated and discounted food.
It has expanded to 34 shops nationwide with 100,000 members.

Charity Shop Sells Groceries at Rock-Bottom Prices

A community shop initiative, founded by Christian charity The Message Trust, is revolutionizing access to affordable groceries. Chief Executive Andy Hawthorne described the concept's success as "gone a bit nuts," highlighting its significant impact on combating food insecurity.

The trust operates a members-only store in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, offering food donations from supermarkets and items at risk of going to landfill at heavily discounted rates. This model was conceived during the coronavirus pandemic when the charity observed significant need while delivering food to vulnerable individuals.

Shoppers have praised the store for drastically reducing their grocery bills. One member noted that £20 in a supermarket could be purchased for just £5 at the community shop, a "massive difference" especially for essential fresh produce. The charity also provides additional support services.