'Our heart has been to serve': Leeds Community Grocery store opens its doors
The shelves are filled with pasta, sauces, cereals and vegetables - but this isn’t just any usual supermarket.
Leeds Grocery Store at North Church is a place that aims to bridge the gap between foodbanks and supermarkets.
The store, which opened its door this week, will allow members to buy supermarket essentials for £5 per visit, saving households an average of £20 on each shop.
Part of a national network of more than 30 community groceries, the Leeds branch will stock fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen food, bakery items, tinned goods, sanitary products and household essentials, as well as offering access to support courses.
The scheme is open to everyone, with membership aimed at people who would otherwise find it difficult to put food on the table.
The store will be open from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Monday to Friday.
John Lawson, regional lead for The Message Trust, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “The store has been set up to bridge the gaps between foodbanks and supermarkets.
“Creating a place of hope, a safe space for the community where they can access healthy food at a lower cost and provide a lot more dignity”
Dave Niblock, local church lead pastor at North Church, said: “Our heart has been to serve the city.
“This whole building on Kirkstall Road is being transformed into a community hub space.
“It will be used for so many different purposes and for so many different groups of people.
“This is the first part of the main pillar of creating a safe space where people can come to access great quality food.
“The key word is community. It’s about finding some belonging, having some conversation and help people take the next step for many people who are struggling in the city.”
Andy Hawthorne OBE, global chief executive and founder of The Message Trust, said: “Escalating prices are having a massive impact on everyone’s lives, but for many it’s made life so difficult that they are having to choose between heating or eating.
“We can’t stand by and do nothing, so the community grocery is here to help and that’s why we’re opening a new store in Leeds.
“Bridging the gap between food banks and supermarkets, we’re here to make it easier for our members to put food on the table by reducing the cost of the weekly shop, whilst also providing them with support and courses too. We can’t wait to welcome people to Leeds Community Grocery.”