The store, which was opened on Friday 4th August and is funded by McCain, is the 12th in Community Shop’s network of social supermarkets which provide local people the opportunity to access deeply discounted products.
Items sold at the shop have been donated by major retailers, brands and manufacturers that have been deemed surplus and would otherwise have gone to waste.
Commenting on the opening, Community Shop executive chairman Gary Stott 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.
‘Long-term positive change’
“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.”
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. The store will also house a Community Kitchen, offering low-cost hot meals, with children eating for free every day.
McCain GB&I regional president Jillian Moffatt added: “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.
‘Invaluable service’
“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.”
Community Shop is part of Company Shop Group, the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus stores, which also runs a network of 14 Company Shop stores across England and Scotland. Company Shops provide discounted and surplus food donated by manufacturers and retailers to key workers and those working within the wider FMCG network.
Local MP Sir Robert Goodwill, who helped to officially open the new store, 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.”
Meanwhile, join our editor as she steps inside The Felix Project Enfield warehouse and journeys with the food as it makes its way to the Bruce Grove Youth Space in London.
