Social supermarket opens to cut food bills

A 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.

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."

Mablethorpe 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 members have already signed up so we are almost at our year one goal in a week and a bit," he said.

"Without this, there are families out there who wouldn't be eating."

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