New Leeds store aims to cut cost of weekly shop for struggling families
A new community grocery store offering low-cost food to people struggling with the cost of living is set to open in Leeds later this month.
The store, which launches on Wednesday, January 14, will allow members to buy supermarket essentials for £5 per visit, saving households an average of £20 on each shop.
It will be based at North Church, on Kirkstall Road, and will be open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
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.
Signing up costs £5 per year, and members can visit the store multiple times a week, choosing their own shopping for their households.
The impact of community groceries elsewhere has been significant, with members using other stores saying: “As soon as I found the community grocery, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders”.
The Leeds store is being run in partnership by The Message Trust and North Church and will be the latest to open since the first community grocery launched in September 2020.
Since then, the scheme has helped to keep more than 80,000 families fed across the UK.
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.”
Members at other community groceries have said: “Joining has been a complete life changer. Our fruit bowl is always full, and our kids eat a lot of fruit now – as much as they want – and we no longer have to cut back on the fresh things because of the cost.”
Dave Niblock, Senior Pastor at North Church, added: “North Church has a vision to be a church for the city and we are so excited to be launching our Leeds Community Grocery, which is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, good-quality food.
“It is about dignity, hope and practical support for low-income families and individuals across the city.
“Partnering with The Message Trust allows us to deepen our impact and work alongside an organisation that shares our heart for community transformation and hope for all.”
The Leeds opening follows recent launches in Derby, North Finchley and South Bank in Middlesbrough, with further stores planned in Wythenshawe and West Ealing.