Eastfield community store opens to support people in food poverty
It's the 12th in the country
Last updated 4th Aug 2023
A community store has opened in Eastfield which helps families and people struggling with food poverty.
It is a social enterprise run by Company Shop Group and this is their 12th shop. It is funded by McCain Foods.
During the opening event, Tracy Reeves and Chris Parsons from the Eastfield Legacy Centre cut the ribbon, officially opening the store to the local community in Eastfield.
Joseph Chow is the head of impact at Community Shop and said: "First and foremost, it's a place where people can get high branded quality goods at discounted prices, but it's a dignified access to food for those individuals who are struggling on the cusp of food poverty. Coupled with that is a hub and a kitchen.
"People can save over £212 per month on average on their shopping bill which is a huge, huge benefit for them. It's just releasing a lot of that tension and worry of how they're going to support and feed their family.
"People can access different development courses and opportunities at the hub to improve an individual's mental, physical, social and economic health. It's a fantastic provision that not only provides really, really good quality product but more than anything really is that wraparound support for anyone who needs it.
"Eastfield is McCain's home and their base and it's where they come from, so they know this community well. We also work within the 10 percent most deprived communities within the UK, so part of that really is reaching the heart of communities that needs us the most on the cusp of food poverty. It's for those individuals where sometimes there's just a little bit too much month at the end of the money.
"I think what's pinnacle for me is that it's a secure base for our members where they can feel safe and happy, grow confidence and then have that ability to take on life's day and events in a way and manner where it's dignified for them."
Items sold at the store have been donated by major retailers, brands, and manufacturers. These products have been deemed surplus and may have otherwise gone to waste.
Revenue raised in the store will be re-invested back into the local area through the store’s Community Hub, which will offer personal development programmes tailored to the needs of each member. These programmes range from cookery clubs and home budgeting, to interview skills and business courses.
The store will also house a Community Kitchen, offering low-cost wholesome hot meals, with children eating for free every day.
Scarborough and Whitby MP, Sir Robert Goodwill, said: “It’s been a pleasure to attend the opening of Eastfield’s new Community Shop and it’s fantastic to hear how this will support 750 people in the local community.
"I’d like to thank everyone who has helped bring this new store to life, including the team at Community Shop, and McCain Foods, who have funded the project.”
Gary Stott, Executive Chairman at Community Shop, said: “We are incredibly excited to open the doors of the brand-new Eastfield Community Shop. We know from our work across the UK that this store will have a big impact on those in the community who need it most. Community Shop goes far beyond just discounted food, with the life-changing development programmes equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to focus on creating long-term positive change in their lives.”
Jillian Moffatt, Regional President GB&I at McCain, said: “We’re delighted to celebrate the opening of the new Community Shop in Eastfield - a place where McCain GB has called home for over 50 years. We’re proud to be partnering with Community Shop to bring this invaluable service to our local community and look forward to supporting it for years to come.”
The store is located at Community Shop Eastfield, Eastfield Community Centre, High Street, Scarborough, YO11 3LJ and is open from 9am to 4.45pm weekdays, from 9am to 2.45pm on Saturday and is closed on Sunday.
To find out more visit the Company Shop Group website.