First Community Grocery in Swansea to open at St Thomas’

St Thomas’ Church in Swansea is partnering with the award-winning charity Message Trust to open the first Community Grocery in the city.

Through the social outreach at St Thomas’, staff witnessed firsthand the impact of the cost of living crisis on families and individuals and wanted to be able to do more than just meet the direct food need.

The Community Grocery is a bridge between a foodbank and a supermarket, meaning members can shop for the whole family at the fraction of the cost of a supermarket. With over 20 community groceries already open across the UK, they have become a lifeline to members who have struggled with the rise in food and fuel costs.

All members of the community can sign up for £5 for an annual membership of the community grocery, giving them access to food shops multiple times per week. Members will then be able to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery items, freezer and chilled items, tinned foods and toiletries for as little as £5 per shop, helping them save on their shopping budget.

The Community Grocery is not only about food, though, as members are given access to free courses from learning how to cook, debt and money advice and exploring Christianity.