THE nation’s first ‘social supermarket’ which has helped more than 5,000 families save thousands on their weekly shop in Athersley alone has now presented a document to Parliament in the hope of providing further aid to those struggling to afford food.
The Community Shop is a member-only store helping some of the UK’s most deprived communities by resupplying surplus stock at discounted prices.
In Athersley, they have supported 5,415 families by providing more than five million meals, saving members £6,818 since opening.
On Wednesday, the company presented a white paper - a report that concisely explains complex issues - to parliament, encouraging the government to tackle food insecurity at its root, bring an end to a growing dependence on emergency food parcels and improve outcomes for all.
Executive chairman of Community Shop, Gary Stott, said: “The food insecurity crisis cannot be solved by emergency food parcels and other short-term fixes, such as foodbanks.
“We urge the government to tackle the root causes of food insecurity by transforming food aid for the future, prioritising dignity and sustainability, and moving away from short-term sticking plasters.
“Community Shop’s person-centred model, refined over the last ten years, has delivered transformational outcomes for families.
“The continued expansion of provisions like Community Shop is reliant on the government recognising its sustained outcomes, and ensuring that support is equally available to all organisations delivering this kind of provision.
“We are now eager to share our proven approach and learnings with decision makers, roll out the recommendations, and ignite long-term change.”
The company currently has 13 shops across the country, with three in Barnsley and others in Scarborough and Bradford.
Their new report calls on the government to challenge current food supply strategies and introduce a mandate for food waste reporting that would encourage businesses to better manage their surplus food supply.
They also acknowledge that while emergency food parcels have been vital to families during difficult times, they do not provide a long-term solution to food insecurity, with help needed to transition people away from charities and food banks through financial, educational, training and wellbeing support.
MP for Washington and Gateshead South Sharon Hodgson has been supporting their work and sponsored a reception at the House of Commons to officially launch the white paper.
She added: “I am delighted to sponsor the launch of this crucial white paper.
“With nearly ten million people in the UK currently classed as food insecure, it is essential we adopt innovative solutions to tackle both food poverty and food loss and waste.
“The social consequences of food insecurity, such as lower educational achievement and increased likelihood of adverse life events, demand robust long-term solutions which put people first.”
Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley South, said: “Families in Barnsley and across the country are struggling under the strain of poverty and food insecurity.
“With more than 15,000 children living in poverty in Barnsley and foodbanks reporting that rise in children needing food parcels, the work is vital in our community.
“In Barnsley East, 25 per cent of under-15s live in poverty a shocking statistic and a quarter of children in our local area are growing up in poverty.
“Families who were struggling before the cost-of-living crisis are unable to cut costs any more than they already have.
“Charities and local groups do incredible work to support their communities but this isn’t their mess to fix.”