Social Supermarket ‘Helps Me to Afford Christmas’
A customer at a social supermarket has shared how she can now “afford a few extras for Christmas,” thanks to the savings she enjoys during her weekly grocery trips.
Yazz Gough, a regular at the Re:dish Good Stuff located in Reddish, Stockport, Greater Manchester, expressed her gratitude: “I save a fortune because I’ve got two teenage kids at home who never stop eating!” At 56, Yazz has discovered a cost-effective way to manage her family’s food budget.
What is the Re:dish Good Stuff Social Supermarket?
– Open twice a week, the Re:dish Good Stuff is funded by Stockport Council and local businesses, including Vernon Building Society.
– Membership costs £5, with a £4 fee for each visit. Currently, it boasts around 330 members.
– The supermarket offers high-quality, fresh, and healthy food options specifically for residents of Reddish, Heaton Norris, and Heaton Chapel who are facing financial challenges.
Yazz noted, “I buy a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables to make dishes like apple strudels, chips, or shepherd’s pie, so it has significantly cut the cost of my midweek shop.”
Benefits of Membership at Re:dish Good Stuff
– The supermarket operates on a membership model, allowing members to select one item from each table, freezer, or area, plus several items of fruit and vegetables.
– The charity focuses on collecting surplus food from large supermarkets and wholesalers that would otherwise go to waste. Seasonal items, like ice cream, are available even in colder months.
Lynn Brandwood, the CEO of Re:dish, explains, “The main difference between us and a food bank is that there’s no referral needed, so it’s open to everybody in the community.” Each visit includes a personal shopper who not only assists but also provides a chance for social interaction. The savings from shopping here allow members to allocate money for rent, bills, Christmas presents, or even a night out.
Real Stories from Social Supermarket Users
Sue Bredbury, a 63-year-old from Reddish, highlighted her experience: “I picked up luxury items like strawberries and ice cream today, but getting the vegetables here really helps save me money.” She adds, “Being able to come here and pay £4 to get most of the week’s shopping is amazing.”
Mandy Carter, 69, noted, “Each week is different; it could be potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and carrots to help me make soup.” She expressed that the affordable veg means she doesn’t worry about keeping her central heating on during colder days, allowing her to live comfortably.
Conclusion
The Re:dish Good Stuff social supermarket is making a significant impact by offering low-cost, quality groceries to those in need. With members like Yazz, Sue, and Mandy, the supermarket is providing not just food but also affordability during the festive season, allowing families to enjoy the joy of Christmas without the financial strain.