Community Supermarkets: Extra Support with Food Costs
With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, a new initiative across Hertfordshire is helping residents stretch their weekly food shop further.
Community supermarkets offer good-quality food and everyday household essentials at very low prices – often under £1 per item. They are designed to support people who may not need a food bank but are finding it harder to manage rising costs.
Although there isn’t currently a community supermarket based in Great Amwell, St Margarets or Stanstead Abbotts, there are eight locations across Hertfordshire, with plans to open more in the future. Some residents may find it possible to travel to an existing site, and the scheme is expected to expand as demand grows.
To use a community supermarket, residents need to sign up and complete a simple eligibility assessment. Once registered, the first eight visits are free, thanks to funding from the Household Support Fund. After that, a small membership fee applies alongside the cost of the shopping.
The scheme is run by Community Help Hertfordshire, working with Hertfordshire County Council, and is now open to self-referrals, meaning you don’t need a professional referral to apply. As well as affordable shopping, visitors can also receive information about other types of support that may be available to them or their family.
Community supermarkets are currently located in:
- Hemel Hempstead
- Borehamwood
- Letchworth Garden City
- Rickmansworth
- St Albans
- Stevenage
- Watford
- Hatfield
If you think this support could help you or someone you know, you can check eligibility and apply online at: www.communityhelpherts.net/communitysupermarket
For wider advice and resources on managing the cost of living, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/costofliving
You can also get in touch for more information via phone (01727 649980) or email (info@communityhelpherts.net).
Source: Hertfordshire County Council
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