Company Shop Group’s award-winning social enterprise, Community Shop, has opened the doors of its 10th social supermarket on Tong Street, Bradford.

Hundreds of people from the local community came along to the opening this morning (16 August) to see the high-quality food and household products on offer at deeply discounted prices, as well as to sample a delicious free breakfast, win prizes and enjoy free arts and crafts.

The unique social supermarket sells products that are perfectly good to eat or use that have been donated by major retailers, brands, and manufacturers after being deemed surplus for reasons like incorrect labelling or seasonal packaging. These products otherwise might have gone to waste.

It operates on a free membership basis and is open to anyone living nearby who receives welfare support, is on a low income, or is referred to Community Shop by a partner organisation. Members are also encouraged to become stronger individuals to help build more confident communities.

All revenue raised in the store will be reinvested into the local area through the Community Hub where members can access personal development support, with sessions including cookery clubs, interview skills support, business courses, and more.

There is also a Community Kitchen serving delicious low-cost meals, with kids eating free every day.

Community Shop Tong Street has opened thanks to the support of long-standing partner and Bradford-based supermarket Morrisons, who donated £250,000 to fund the store, as well as Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, and Biffa.

Gary Stott, Executive Chairman of Community Shop said:

 “We’re delighted to have opened the doors to our new Community Shop and to finally welcome all our new members inside."

“This new store will give a hand up to those finding things tough during these financially challenging times by taking away some of the stress of putting food on the table and enabling them to focus on becoming the best version of themselves through our life-changing development programmes."

Rebecca Singleton, Community Director at Morrisons said:

"Morrisons is doing everything it can to help customers with the cost of living crisis. In these tough times we are very pleased to help bring a Community Shop to Bradford, which will benefit hundreds of local people by offering access to heavily discounted food and providing opportunities to learn new skills.” 

Holly Firmin, Senior Community Partnerships Manager GB at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) said:

"It’s more important than ever before that we work together to support our local communities, ensuring that people have access to the food and household essentials they need. Community Shop is also bringing people together by providing social and personal development opportunities that will create a lasting benefit for years to come. It’s fantastic to be able to support the important work that they’re doing in Bradford.”