Basildon Community Supermarket sells food for ‘a minimum’ of 30 per cent cheaper than a standard supermarket.
The scheme was the first of its kind in the county when it was set up in 2022, supported by funding from Essex County Council. It is a non-profit project that offers essential food and household items at a discounted price.
Staffed by volunteers, the community supermarket allows members to manage their weekly budget and enjoy special offers. Unlike a foodbank, anyone who lives in the borough of Basildon is eligible to join for £3.50.
HopeThree16 and Basildon Community Supermarket fund bidder Janine Colton told the Echo: “The idea of the community supermarket was to grab those people who are on the fringes of falling into foodbank dependence as a safety net or a leg up.
“It’s not a shameful place to be. I would argue if people started using community supermarkets, they could compete with affordable supermarkets. That’s what I’d like to see.”
See how a basket of shopping from Basildon Community Supermarket measures up against one at Tesco:
Basildon Community Supermarket:
- Tilda Coconut Basmati Rice: 60p
- Italiamo Farafalle Tricolore Pasta: 50p
- Custard: 40p
- Rice pudding: 20p
- Tesco Fat Free Lemon and Black Pepper Dressing: 50p
- Nestle Carnation Caramel: £1.20
- Askey’s Maple Syrup Flavour Dessert Sauce: £1
Tesco:
- Tilda Coconut Basmati Rice: £1.25
- Farafalle Tricolore Pasta: 75p
- Ready to Serve Custard: £1
- Rice pudding: 90p
- Fat Free Lemon and Black Pepper Dressing: £1
- Nestle Carnation Caramel: £1.90
- Askey’s Maple Syrup Flavour Dessert Sauce: £1.50
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