A Byker store which offers a weekly shop for £4 says a "massive sense of community" has been created since it opened in February last year.
The Newcastle Community Grocery underneath Kingdom Life Church on Heaton Road opened in February 2022 with the aim of supporting families through the cost of living crisis. However, 16 months later, food inflation is seeing the sharpest increase in 45 years with a record annual increase of 15.7% and the crisis shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
However, managers and volunteers at the store say that while families are under immense pressure to make ends meet, there are plenty of positives at what is literally a bargain basement shop. One of 22 around the country, users can get a basket of food which includes 12 items at £4 (the price has increased by £1 since opening), which includes fresh fruit and veg, shelf items, frozen and bakery items, and non-food items such as toiletries - once they have paid a £5 annual membership.
