Social supermarket opens to cut food bills

Social supermarket opens to cut food billsJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleCharlotte HendersonEast Yorkshire and LincolnshireLiam GrimesThe supermarket uses a points system to enable members to pay for foodA social supermarket has opened in Lincolnshire, aiming to help families in food poverty save up to 70% on their weekly shop.The not-for-profit Community Table, in Mablethorpe, buys surplus stock from suppliers and products close to or past their best before date, which allows them to receive the produce at a fraction of the cost.Founder Liam Grimes, 37, said 240 people had already signed up as members in just over a week. They pay £5 a year and are then able to purchase points to buy food. "These families might not have two pennies to rub together but they still deserve a dignified life," he said. Liam GrimesFounder Liam Grimes says he has received a good response from locals Grimes, originally from East London, said he came from a low income family and had experience of food poverty. "If I'm going to do something for the next 30 years, it needs to light a fire in my belly," he said. Grimes said the social supermarket was different to a food bank. "You find with a food bank they are means tested or you need a referral to get in the door. There is a real lack of dignity," he said. "When you walk into my shop, it's a retail style environment. You can come in and select what you want rather than taking what you are given."I have used a food bank myself. I know how it feels."Liam GrimesMablethorpe is among the most deprived areas in England, according to government dataMablethorpe is more deprived than 96% of neighbourhoods in England according to the governments index of multiple deprivation (IMD) 2025.Grimes said the community had been "extremely grateful" since he opened the store on 7 April. "I wanted 300 of the households in food poverty in Mablethorpe to sign up in year one, but 240...