Newcastle food project urges people not to struggle in silence

The Community Grocery store say they can help as the cost of living continues

Author: Karen LiuPublished 29th Dec 2023

A food project in Newcastle is urging people not to struggle in silence this New Year as the cost of living crisis continues to hit.

The Community Grocery store, which has 2 branches in the city, allows members to access low cost food and essentials, as well offering employability and life skills courses.

An initiative of national charity The Message Trust, the second Newcastle store is being run in partnership with Hillsong Newcastle.

Joe Cunningham, Manager of the Community Grocery store on Westgate Road, said: "We can provide food for those who need it but we're also providing space for people to come into and have a community feel about it. I think that's one thing that the North East is really, really good at.

"We've seen a very high demand in the inital two weeks since opening. I think we've had around 175 members sign up so ultimately, we're probably going to see that increase a little bit more and like I say, support as many families as we can really.

"I feel like it's in high demand because of everything that we're facing as a country in terms of the cost of living crisis, and with the North East being on a lower pay scale than a lot of the country."

Andy Hawthorne OBE, Global Chief Executive and Founder of The Message Trust said: “Escalating fuel and food prices are having a massive impact on everyones 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."

To find out more about Newcastle West Community Grocery, visit their website.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.