A second community grocery store is opening in Newcastle amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. It is opening its doors to help ensure that families across the city can continue to be fed.
The new store in Westgate Hall and the first on Heaton Road are both operated by The Message Trust, a worldwide Christian charity that helps to reach disadvantaged communities.
The impact of rising food prices has been felt by thousands of families in Newcastle, forcing them to choose between putting food on the table and heating their homes. Demand has grown massively for the first community grocery store, so a second store is opening as a result.
When families sign up to the store, they are able to do a large food shop for just £5 per visit, allowing them to save on average £20 per shop. Members will be able to shop multiple times each week, at either of the community grocery stores in the city.
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The stores have the same range of products that you would expect to see at a local supermarket, including fresh fruit and vegetables, tinned goods, baked items, frozen food, sanitary products and household items. The Message Trust is running the stores in partnership with Hillsong Newcastle, and the new one joins the 20 other stores across England in helping to feed over 50,000 families.
Andy Hawthorne OBE, Global Chief Executive and Founder of The Message Trust, said: "Escalating fuel and food 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 every day 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 second store in Newcastle. Bridging the gap between supermarkets and foodbanks, 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.
"Over 50,000 members across the UK are now shopping in stores, and we can’t wait to welcome people to the Newcastle West Community Grocery from 28th November."
Pastor Jonny Ferguson from Hillsong Newcastle added: "Our Church community takes seriously the call of Jesus to care for those in need and so we’re grateful to be able to help provide this service and in doing so, place value and dignity on the beautiful people of our city."
To find out more, visit the community grocery website here.
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