Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, visited Hope Community Supermarket in Basildon on Friday 24 March to hear from volunteers about their unique approach to helping vulnerable people in Basildon.
The Hope Community Supermarket in Basildon opened in Laindon Community Centre in December 2022. On Friday, Stephen paid a visit to volunteers to hear about its unique funding model and how it has become a local hub in the community.
Run by Billericay Street Pastors and the Christian charity, HopeThree16, the Community Supermarket receives investment from Essex County Council, Basildon Council and is also partially funded by a one-off £3.50 membership fee. Stephen heard about how the Community Supermarket is sent donations, buys wholesale goods and sells goods at prices which appear reduced. This is because it is a not-for-profit organisation and it is neither a foodbank, nor a commercial supermarket.
The Community Supermarket also has a free café at the back where people can meet or chat to one of the friendly volunteers.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “Many thanks to the Hope Community Supermarket for inviting me to visit. It has a great location, great people and a great funding model – it really has developed into a local hub and offers a friendly face to anyone needing support.
One of the biggest obstacles to people seeking support with their finances is the stigma around it. I am really happy to see that Basildon’s Community Supermarket is aiming to reduce that and I believe it is doing it very successfully.”
