The Duchess of Edinburgh recently visited Community Shop, the UK’s first social supermarket, at its Lambeth store.
DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH’S VISIT
Her visit highlighted the organisation’s impactful approach to food security and community empowerment.
Community Shop operates 13 stores across the UK, targeting areas facing social inequality.
Their innovative model prevents food waste by selling surplus products from the food industry at deeply discounted prices.
These savings directly benefit thousands of families annually. “We believe in offering a hand-up, not a hand-out,” said one of the shop’s team members.
DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH TAKES PART IN ACTIVITIES
During her visit, the Duchess actively participated in community activities.
She joined the team in serving the store’s popular ‘Feast Day,’ a community event offering hearty meals. She also toured the site, engaging warmly with staff and visitors.
Her Royal Highness explored the three key sections of the site: Community Store, Community Hub, and Community Kitchen, according to The Royal Family.
THE STORE
The Community Store offers members essential groceries like fruit, vegetables, and bread for just R 4.50 (20p), an invaluable resource for many.
All profits from the store are reinvested into the Community Hub.
This hub delivers development programmes, helping individuals build skills and plan for a brighter future.
THE KITCHEN
The Community Kitchen fosters connection and learning, and members get to enjoy home-cooked meals in a welcoming café environment.
Children eat for free daily, further easing the burden on struggling families.
Membership is open to those on means-tested benefits living nearby, ensuring local support reaches those who need it most, according to The Royal Central.
Since its launch in 2013, Community Shop has made a significant impact. It has supported over 72,000 families, saving members over R 1.1 billion (£50 million) on shopping.
DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH AND FOOD SECURITY
The Community Hub has delivered over 200,000 development programmes. Meanwhile, the Community Kitchens have served more than 880,000 free meals to children.
One member shared her experience. “Community Shop has changed my life. I’ve learnt new skills, met amazing people, and saved money on essentials.”
The Duchess’s visit serves as a powerful reminder of how innovative solutions can address food insecurity, according to The Community Shop Group.
For South Africa, where food waste remains a pressing issue alongside widespread hunger, a model like Community Shop’s could offer valuable lessons.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Redistributing surplus food while empowering communities could transform lives in urban and rural areas alike.
As the Duchess said during her visit, “Community Shop isn’t just about food. It’s about people, potential, and progress.”
Her words resonate far beyond Lambeth, offering inspiration to those tackling similar challenges worldwide.
NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY
By spotlighting this pioneering project, the Duchess has shown how communities can turn challenges into opportunities.
With sustainable models like Community Shop, we can all aim for a future where no one goes hungry, and everyone has the chance to thrive.
HOW COULD A SIMILAR INITIATIVE HELP COMMUNITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA?
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