A new social market in Whitley Bay Big Local offers affordable food to the local community. This community initiative on Whitley Road provides cheap food options and is led by local residents. The Whitley Bay Big Local charity launched an affordable food club last year in North Tyneside. It serves as a beacon of support, community spirit, and activities.
Originally, the charity provided emergency food parcels to those in need. Now, they are expanding into a social supermarket to create a more sustainable support model. The social supermarket offers residents £10 worth of food for just £5. Items include fresh produce, dairy, bakery essentials, and dried goods. This initiative helps tackle food security threats and promotes healthy eating habits among locals.
David Carnaffan, the Chief Executive Officer of Whitley Bay Big Local, leads this growing community initiative. With support from North Tyneside Council, the project prevents food crises by offering affordable, nutritious food. Membership continues to grow each week, reinforcing its crucial role in daily local life.
Councillor Karen Clark, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at North Tyneside Council, praised Whitley Bay Big Local’s positive impact. She emphasized the charity’s invaluable contributions, especially during the rising cost of living. The partnership with Whitley Bay Big Local and other charities helps provide dignified, choice-based food support for the needy.
The social supermarket operates on a membership model, ensuring beneficiaries actively participate in the community effort. With a nominal annual fee and provisions for those on Universal Credit, it includes a wide population range. This inclusivity helps build a strong, supportive community network.
Whitley Bay Big Local’s food club is part of a larger movement in North Tyneside. It is one of five social supermarkets supported by the North Tyneside Council’s Community Food Grant, which began in January 2024. This proves that community collaboration and innovative thinking effectively address pressing social issues.
More than just a supermarket, Whitley Bay Big Local’s affordable food club has become a lifeline for many. It serves as a hub for the community, offering food, belonging, and mutual support. The initiative stands as a testament to what a united community can achieve. Whitley Bay Big Local provides not just food, but also hope and solidarity to the residents of Whitley Bay.