Dorset Council supports county's social supermarket projects
They've awarded £277,000 towards services in the last year
Social supermarkets and food projects across Dorset have had £277,000 in support from the Council over the last year.
The authority's handed out funding during 2024, in an effort to help households put good meals on the table, without so much cost.
A network of social supermarkets and community larders are operating around Dorset, taking in donated and subsidised supplies from grocery stores and other organisations and selling them on to members at discounted prices.
They're all run by volunteers in Lyme Regis, Sturminster Newton, Weymouth, Blandford, and West Moors.
Neil Hardisty, Director at the Nest social supermarket in Weymouth said:
“Our shoppers are not generally people who are in real crisis, but people who week on week struggle to pay for everything, so benefit from a cheaper food shop.
“We operate on a membership basis. It’s free to sign up, you don’t need a referral if you are on a low income. If you are receiving universal credit, or another income-based benefit, or receiving free school meals, or working with a debt charity, you would automatically qualify for membership.”
Cllr Ryan Hope, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council said:
“Giving residents fair access to nutritious affordable food is a real priority for the council, as we know that the cost of living is continuing to have a big impact on our communities.
“With many residents facing financial challenges, the council has a vital role to play in addressing food poverty, which is why we have provided some upfront investment to support social supermarkets across the county as well as funding for community larders and food banks.”