Duchess of Edinburgh visits Lambeth’s social supermarket tackling food poverty

Lambeth: The Duchess of Edinburgh dropped by the Community Shop in Norwood on Wednesday. It’s the first social supermarket in the UK, and it’s doing some amazing work.

This place sells high-quality surplus food at super low prices, helping folks on income support. It’s a real lifesaver for many in the area.

Duchess Sophie, Prince Edward’s wife, checked out the different areas of the shop, including the Community Store, Community Hub, and Community Kitchen. Each space has its own vibe and purpose.

The Community Store offers essentials like fruits and veggies for just 20p. Can you believe that? It’s a great way to help families save money.

While she was there, the Duchess chatted with the team about their work. They’re really passionate about what they do, and it shows.

The profits from the store go back into the Community Hub, which runs programs to help people build skills and improve their lives. It’s all about empowering the community.

And let’s not forget the Community Kitchen! It’s a cozy café where people can gather, learn about cooking, and enjoy home-cooked meals. Kids eat free every day, which is just fantastic.

Membership is open to those on benefits, making it accessible for many local families. Since starting in 2013, they’ve helped over 72,000 families. That’s a huge impact!

The Community Store has saved its members more than £50 million on groceries. Plus, they’ve provided over 200,000 development programs and fed 880,000 kids for free. Wow!

Gary Stott, the executive chairman, said the royal visit really highlights their mission. It’s a big boost for the team who work hard to fight food insecurity.

He added that the Lambeth store is a lifeline for the community, creating a warm space where people can connect, share stories, and enjoy meals together.