How to get free (or cheap) food
Save on grocery and restaurant bills
Believe there’s no such thing as a free meal? Think again! From grocery stores and fast-food outlets to fine dining establishments, we’ve uncovered 16 smart ways to score free food (or enjoy it at a fraction of the price). Discover which restaurants let kids eat for free (or for just £1), how to get paid to eat out, and much more!
Eat & drink for FREE
Did you know it’s possible to score free food from cafés, restaurants, and even supermarkets? Here’s how to make it happen:
1 – Free Greggs, KFC, Krispy Kreme & more
Fast-food restaurants frequently provide discounts and free items to both new and loyal customers through their apps and membership programs. Signing up and staying updated on the latest deals can help you take advantage of these offers.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best free offers currently available (each freebie can be redeemed only once):
- Krispy Kreme – Free Doughnut for New Members – Join the Krispy Kreme Rewards program and enjoy a complimentary original glazed doughnut when you sign up. Plus, as a sweet bonus, you’ll get another free doughnut on your birthday!
- Greggs – Free Hot Drink for New Sign-Ups – Download the Greggs app and register to claim a free hot drink. In the past, sign-up perks have included free pizza slices, sausage rolls, doughnuts, and, of course, a hot drink. You can also snag a birthday freebie!
Additional Restaurants Offering App-Freebies. Keep an eye on these apps for more exciting offers:
- McDonald’s – Download the McDonald’s app to earn 1,000 bonus points on your first order (you need 1,500 points to claim a freebie). Previous offers have included free burgers, fries, veggie wraps, and iced lattes. Available on both iPhone and Android.
- Burger King – Sign up for BK Rewards via the Burger King app to get 100 points (150 points are needed for a freebie). Past promotions have featured free Whoppers. Available for iPhone and Android.
- Subway – Subway often treats customers to exciting deals, such as free six-inch subs during special events like ‘World Sandwich Day’ in November. Their app is available on iPhone and Android.
- Taco Bell – Taco Bell offers a variety of deals through its app, like free cheesy fries with a £1 purchase. In the past, they’ve even given away free crunchy tacos just for signing up. Download their app on iPhone or Android to stay updated!
2 – Get paid to eat out at restaurants
Earn money while dining out by taking on the role of a mystery diner. Forget about disguises or fake mustaches – they’re not necessary! Popular restaurants like Giraffe, Leon, and Wagamama partner with mystery-shopping companies to maintain high standards in their food, service, and ambiance. As a mystery shopper, you’ll typically enjoy a complimentary meal, and in some instances, you might even receive payment for your time and feedback.
How do I sign up?
To start, you’ll need to apply online to a mystery dining company, like one of the options listed below. No prior experience is necessary, but you should have strong written English skills, a camera (to capture images of receipts), and reliable internet access to submit your reports.
- HGEM’s Mystery Dining program collaborates with more than 300 clients, including restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues. Setting itself apart from other mystery-dining providers, HGEM openly shares some of the well-known brands it evaluates, such as Brewdog, Itsu, Pret a Manger, and Wagamama.
- Market Force does mystery dining and shopping across the UK and globally.
- Service Scan covers restaurants, pubs and bars, plus mystery shopping at retail outlets, football stadiums, concert venues and more.
After signing up, keep an eye out for mystery dining opportunities. You can discover these by logging into the website regularly or by watching for email notifications.
Every assignment comes with detailed guidelines. For instance, you might be asked to order a main course from the “grills” section, fill out a questionnaire, and submit a report about your experience. To get paid for each task, it’s essential to follow the instructions precisely.
How much will I get paid?
You’ll be assigned a fixed payment for each assignment, which typically – but not always – covers the cost of your meal. Additionally, many jobs include a small bonus, meaning you could actually earn money while dining out. For instance, you might receive £15 to cover two main courses plus an extra £4 bonus.
However, it’s essential to calculate whether the payment fully offsets your expenses before accepting a task. Some offers may not cover the total cost. Since each job specifies the payout upfront, take your time to select wisely.
Keep in mind that receiving your payment may take some time. Your report needs to be reviewed and approved, which can take up to a month in certain cases.
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3 – Nab free food from Pret, Costa, local bakeries & more
Score Free Food from Pret, Costa, Local Bakeries & More (Plus Try Neighbours’ Leftovers… If You’re Up for It). From burgers to beers and even fresh blackberries, a free app is helping you snag quality food (and more) without spending a penny. Olio connects communities by giving away surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Instead of tossing unused items, users list them for locals to claim—think of it as a Freecycle, but for food.
What will I find on Olio?
Olio began as a free app for sharing food and drinks, but has since expanded to include a variety of household items, such as books, clothes, and toys.
While many of the items on Olio come from people clearing out their kitchen cupboards, larger businesses like Pret a Manger, as well as independent cafes, bakeries, and shops, are also participating by offering leftover products at the end of each day.
Volunteers gather surplus food from these establishments and post it on the app (you’ll pick up the food from the volunteers, not directly from the stores). Examples include gourmet loaves of bread, pastries, yogurt pots, and sandwiches from Pret, all available for free.
If you find something you like, simply request it and message the volunteer to arrange a time for pick-up. Occasionally, non-food items, such as deodorants, are listed as well, typically products found in supermarkets.
How to get the free app
Simply download it from Apple’s iOS App Store or the Google Play Store.
Register with your email address or link the app to your Facebook account to explore a variety of free items from local neighbors and nearby restaurants.
How to use it
Olio now boasts eight million registered users, creating a vibrant community where people can both offer and collect food. Naturally, you’ll find more listings in larger cities.
Among the national brands participating are Costa, Pret a Manger, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges, and Tesco. In London, you can also find offerings from Eurostar, First Group, and Planet Organic, along with many items from smaller, independent cafés, bakeries, and restaurants throughout the country.
As a sharing platform, Olio encourages users to not only claim food but also to contribute by offering it for free. If you have extra sausages or other food items, just take a photo, write a short description, and include pick-up instructions.
Food from your neighbours… isn’t it all manky?
We didn’t find any issues at all. In fact, when we took a closer look, we came across a variety of high-quality items, both from independent sellers and well-known chains.
Anyone is welcome to contribute food they would personally enjoy eating. It’s important to note that you can add items that have passed their best-before date, but not their use-by date.
4 – Free chocolate & more via O2 & Vodafone’s rewards apps
You can enjoy complimentary chocolate, coffee, and more through O2, Octopus, and Vodafone’s reward programs. If you’re a Virgin Media broadband user or subscribed to O2 or Vodafone’s mobile services, these loyalty apps offer you exclusive deals and free items. (And even better, we’ve got a tip to score O2 freebies even if you’re not an O2 customer!)
To access these offers, simply download the free apps and set up an account. Once you’re registered, you’ll receive regular free gifts, discounts, and special promotions. In most cases, you can claim your freebies and deals by presenting a code at the counter or entering it online.
- O2 Priority. Past promotions have featured items like sausage rolls from Greggs, chocolates from Thorntons and Hotel Chocolat, and even beer at Byron Burger. While the app is intended for O2 and Virgin Media broadband subscribers, we’ve discovered a loophole that allows anyone to claim the freebies. All you need to do is obtain a free O2 SIM card (though you’ll now need to top it up with at least £10 to unlock access to the app).
- VeryMe. Vodafone’s rewards app provides exciting benefits, including complimentary hot drinks at Greggs or Costa, free wine at Majestic, and exclusive Tesco gift cards.
- Octoplus. Octopus Energy customers with a smart meter can take advantage of its rewards program, which offers various benefits. One of the highlights is the opportunity to receive a complimentary hot drink every week, available at Caffè Nero or Greggs.
5 – Buy totally free food using supermarket coupons
Many supermarket coupons and cashback apps typically provide discounts on selected items, like 50p off a loaf of bread. However, some apps go a step further, offering completely free products.
We’ve come across cashback apps that give away a free Lindt chocolate bar or even non-alcoholic beer, with new offers regularly appearing. For a comprehensive list of available Supermarket coupons and cashback deals, be sure to check out our guide.
Previously, we’ve also seen completely free products such as Covent Garden Soup, Warburtons bread, and Dr Oetker pizza.
6 – Drink free tea or coffee while you shop
Many stores provide complimentary hot beverages to customers who sign up for their loyalty cards. Naturally, this isn’t purely out of generosity – the goal is to encourage repeat visits and longer shopping time, ultimately increasing your spending. However, you may find that you don’t have to make a significant purchase (or even any purchase at all) to enjoy this free offer.
- Ikea. You can enjoy a complimentary hot drink at Ikea during weekdays as often as you want. Just sign up for a free Ikea Family card and you’ll receive a free cup of tea or filter coffee at the in-store restaurant. See Ikea MoneySaving tips & hacks for more info.
- Morrisons. Morrisons Café offers a great deal where you can enjoy unlimited free hot drink refills for just £1.85 when you dine in (please note, this offer is not valid for takeaway). Available every day, all day, no voucher or code is required to take advantage of the offer. The deal covers all self-serve hot drinks, including lattes, fruit teas, and hot chocolates. For more information, visit Morrisons Café to learn about their free unlimited hot drink refills.
- Waitrose. MyWaitrose members can get a free coffee when making a purchase in a store – but you’ll need to take your own reusable cup.
7 – Bag a free doughnut, cupcake & more on your birthday
Enjoy your special day with free food from a variety of restaurants and cafés! Typically, all it takes is joining their mailing list, and as your birthday approaches, you’ll receive an email containing a voucher for a free treat.
Check out some of the exciting offers available to you today:
- Krispy Kreme. Sign up for the ‘Friends of Krispy Kreme’ rewards app to enjoy a complimentary doughnut of your choice. Plus, receive a free glazed doughnut for your kids and partner on their birthdays as a special treat!
- Greggs. Install the app and sign up for its rewards program to receive a voucher for a complimentary cupcake, cream cake, or doughnut. The voucher will remain valid for one month from the date of issuance.
- Hotel Chocolat. Grab a VIP card and enjoy a special ‘surprise gift’ (right now, get £5 off any purchase over £5) to celebrate your birthday!
8 – Aged 18 or 19? Get paid to drink (yes, really)
It might seem unbelievable, but if you’re 18 or 19 years old, you could actually earn money just by heading to the pub. But please be Drinkaware.
Serve Legal hires mystery shoppers throughout the UK and Ireland to assess whether staff at pubs, bars, and supermarkets request ID when selling alcohol, as well as other age-restricted items like lottery tickets.
Each visit usually takes between 3 to 12 minutes, with compensation ranging from £6 to £8 per visit, and occasionally as much as £20. You’ll also be reimbursed for expenses and allowed to keep—or enjoy—anything you purchase during the visit.
9 – Forage for blackberries, elderflowers, raspberries & more free food
Foraging for food may seem surprising, but it’s a great way to gather fresh, seasonal food for free. Some common wild foods you can forage include elderflowers, blackberries, sloe berries, bilberries, samphire, and dandelions. However, safety is key—always forage in areas where it’s allowed and make sure you’re following local laws.
Wild foods are available at different times throughout the year. For example, in September, you can harvest sloe berries, wild raspberries, wild strawberries, beech nuts, hawthorn berries, and rosehips. Foraging doesn’t stop in winter either—read on for tips about what you can find even in the colder months.
The Woodland Trust has a handy guide to what you can find in each month of the year (and how to use it, for example, jams, salads, homemade pesto and more):
- January. Acorns, beech nuts, blackberries, chestnuts, crab apples, hawthorn berries, hazelnuts, pine nuts, rosehips, sloe berries, whitebeam berries.
- February. Alexanders (horse parsley), chickweed, dandelion, nettles, sweet violet, velvet shank mushrooms, wild garlic.
- March. Chickweed, dandelion, goosegrass, gorse, hawthorn, Japanese knotweed, nettles, wild garlic.
- April. Alexanders, bramble leaves, cow parsley, garlic mustard, hairy bittercress, mallow, wild garlic.
- May. Chickweed, hawthorn, lime, mallow, oxeye daisy, red clover, sorrel.
- June. Ash, elderflowers, elderberries, ground elder, honeysuckle, lime, rose, pineapple weed.
- July. Bilberries, chickweed, chanterelle, fat hen, mallow, meadowsweet, wild strawberries, yarrow.
- August. Blackberries, crab apples, elderberries, greater plantain, hazelnuts, rowan berries.
- September. Beech nuts, hawthorn berries, rosehips, sloe berries, wild raspberries, wild strawberries.
- October. Bullace, beech nuts, hazelnuts, rosehips, sloe berries, sweet chestnuts, walnuts.
- November and December. Bullace, hairy bittercress, hops, pine needles, pine seeds, sweet chestnuts.
Where am I allowed to forage?
Under the Theft Act of 1968, foraging for personal use is typically permitted in the UK. However, local councils and conservation authorities may implement bylaws that restrict foraging in certain locations. If you’re uncertain whether it’s allowed in a particular area, it’s best to verify or refrain from foraging altogether.
Additionally, avoid foraging near busy roads, as plants and fruits in such areas may have absorbed exhaust fumes, affecting their taste. It’s also wise to steer clear of places where dogs frequently relieve themselves, due to hygiene concerns.
Several conservation organizations have expressed their support for foraging for personal use on their properties:
- The Woodland Trust permits foraging on the majority of its 1,000+ woodland sites, though there are exceptions. In conservation areas or locations with rare species, foraging may be restricted. These areas should be clearly marked with signs, but it’s always advisable to double-check.
- Similarly, the National Trust, responsible for managing heritage sites and open spaces across the UK—including coastlines, forests, fens, beaches, farmland, and moorlands—also supports foraging for personal use on most of its sites.
How to forage safely and legally
The Woodland Trust offers essential foraging guidelines that are crucial to follow, especially if you’re foraging for the first time. Below are some of the key points to consider:
- Get Permission from the Landowner: Always seek permission from the landowner before foraging. If you’re uncertain, it’s better to ask.
- Know What You’re Foraging For: Be aware of what you are picking and be cautious of poisonous species. Never eat a wild plant unless you’re completely certain of its identity. Some plants may be rare, protected, inedible, or even dangerously toxic. Fungi, in particular, can be difficult to identify, so it’s often safest to avoid them.
- Forage from Abundant Populations: Collect flowers, leaves, fruits, and seeds only from areas where they are abundant, ensuring that you’re not depleting any one source.
- Avoid Collecting Rare Species: Some species are legally protected, and it’s important to know which ones to avoid. In particular, ancient woodlands often harbor rare species, so exercise extra caution.
- Leave Some Behind for Wildlife: Wild food plays a crucial role in supporting the survival of UK wildlife. When foraging, it’s important to take only what you plan to eat and leave plenty behind. This ensures that there’s enough left for birds and other creatures, as well as to help the plant or fungus reproduce through seeds and spores. Remember, you’re not the only one foraging, so always leave enough for future generations.
By following these responsible foraging practices, you help protect nature while enjoying a sustainable and safe foraging experience.
Tricks to get food super-cheap
If you can’t find free food, there are still ways to eat well for a fraction of the usual cost.
1 – Get free (or £1) kids’ meals at Bella Italia, Morrisons Cafés & more
Many restaurants and cafés provide special offers where children can eat for free, or sometimes for only £1, when an adult meal is purchased. Current participating venues include Bella Italia, Brewers Fayre, Morrisons Cafés, Sizzling Pubs, Asda Cafés, and many others.
These promotions are a fantastic way to keep the kids entertained while also saving money on family outings. For a comprehensive list of available offers, be sure to check out our Restaurant Deals & Vouchers page.
2 – Find a posh three-course meal for a fiver dining out at training restaurants
Are you interested in enjoying an affordable three-course fine-dining experience prepared by student chefs? Every top chef starts somewhere, and you can be their well-fed tester at training restaurants in universities and colleges. Keep in mind that these venues are typically open only during term time, from late September to May.
Dining at these student-run restaurants allows you to indulge in a high-quality three-course meal at a fraction of the price you’d pay at a top-tier restaurant. For instance, we found a three-course lunch at The Stables Restaurant, part of Oaklands College in St Albans, for just £10.
There are lots of training restaurants across the UK – too many to list here, so your best bet is to search online for one near you. But if you’re in London you can try Taste at South Thames College (Morden) or Pillars at the University of West London (Ealing). In Glasgow, try Scholars’ at the City of Glasgow College, and in Belfast the Academy Restaurant at the University of Ulster.
The restaurants usually have set times and days you can dine and some may require you to book.
3 – Visit a ‘pay as you feel’ café or supermarket
The Real Junk Food Project is a charitable organization that operates cafés throughout the UK, offering a unique “pay as you feel” system for meals made from food that would otherwise be discarded. These cafés are located in cities such as Brighton, Leeds, Manchester, Leicester, and Edinburgh. In addition, the project runs a food-waste supermarket in Pudsey, near Leeds, where surplus food is available to the community.
How much do I actually have to pay?
The decision is yours. While you’re encouraged to contribute, the Real Junk Food Project emphasizes that “people can pay with money, volunteer their time, or share their skills.” In fact, they revealed that some individuals contribute more than they would spend at a typical supermarket.
What kind of food is available?
Each café sets its own menu, which changes based on the food donations they receive each week. Most cafés provide classic café dishes. For instance, the Second Helpings café in Stamford, Lincolnshire, has served meals such as leek and potato soup, chicken pie, veggie pasta bake, and bread and butter pudding in the past.
The cafés rescue food that would otherwise be wasted, meaning some items may be beyond their best-before dates. However, this doesn’t imply the food is unsafe to consume. While use-by dates are crucial for health, best-before dates only suggest the manufacturer’s recommended quality. Café staff assess each item carefully to ensure it is safe to eat.
Is this just aimed at people in need?
The Real Junk Food Project, while a charitable initiative, is primarily an environmental endeavor, according to its founder, Adam Smith. He emphasized that the project focuses on sustainability rather than addressing social issues, with “no criteria” for receiving food.
As stated on the project’s website: “We don’t limit our food to just ‘homeless people’, ‘the needy’, or specific groups like asylum seekers or refugees. We aim to feed everyone.”
That said, it’s important to recognize that this initiative helps individuals facing financial difficulties. If you’re in a position to do so, consider making a generous donation to support its ongoing efforts.
4 – Use a free app to find end-of-day discounts at cafés & supermarkets, such as £3.30 for £10’s worth of Aldi food
Too Good To Go is designed to combat food waste while helping you save money. The app connects you with nearby cafés, supermarkets, bakeries, and restaurants that have surplus food at the end of the day, allowing you to purchase it at a reduced price.
By using the app, you can grab a ‘surprise bag’ of food, typically priced between £3 and £6. According to Too Good To Go, this is often at least 50% cheaper than the regular price of the food.
There are also delicious hot meal options perfect for chilly winter evenings. For instance, we discovered roast dinners at Toby Carvery priced at just £3.49 (pictured left), down from the regular £10.64. We also found vegetarian roast dinners for only £2.99, typically costing £8.89.
During our search for local deals, we came across a breakfast bag from Leon available for £3.99, a significant reduction from the usual £9. Additionally, several supermarkets, including Aldi, Asda, and Morrisons, offer similar meal deals.
How to use the app
To get started, simply download the free app from the Apple Store or Google Play. Create a free account or log in using your Facebook or Google credentials to explore nearby locations. Find the closest store, select your preferred bag, and complete the payment to reserve it for a specific pickup time. When you arrive, head to the counter, swipe your order on the screen, and show it to the staff to collect your bag.
How big is Too Good To Go?
The app debuted in the UK in 2016 and features a wide range of food options across major cities such as London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Oxford, and Swansea. Over 160,000 businesses have joined the platform to provide discounted meals to users.
5 – Find yellow sticker discounts in the supermarket
“Yellow sticker” discounts refer to reduced-price items in supermarkets marked with a yellow label, typically meant to clear stock quickly. If you spot something you need with a yellow sticker, it’s a great deal—so grab it fast! These items are still perfectly good, just offered at a discounted price.
To help you understand when these savings are most likely to appear, we’ve reached out to MoneySavers who work or shop at popular supermarkets like Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco. For a more detailed guide, check out our Supermarket Shopping Tips.
6 – Spend 50p & get as many £3 Big Mac & fries as you can stomach
While it’s not the healthiest eating option, these fast-food tips can help you save money on burgers (just remember to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet).
One clever trick to get a Big Mac and regular fries for just £2.99 (instead of nearly £6) at McDonald’s is to make a single purchase first. The most affordable item you can buy is a 50p sauce. For more ways to save, take a look at our McDonald’s Money-Saving hacks.
7 – Buy cheap clearance ‘past-best’ goods online
While ‘use-by’ dates serve as a crucial health safety warning, ‘best-before’ dates are merely recommendations from the manufacturer regarding quality. It is completely legal to sell products past their best-before date, as there are no strict regulations on their safety; the decision to consume them is up to you. Visual inspection and scent are typically the most reliable indicators.
Approved Food, a discount grocery site, offers items that are near or past their best-before dates, with the dates usually listed on the product page. Though prices are lower, keep in mind that delivery starts at £3 for orders up to 25kg, and a minimum purchase of £22.50 is required—meaning it’s most cost-effective when buying in bulk.
Struggling to afford food? You may be able to get help from a foodbank
This guide offers creative and enjoyable ways to save money on food, including strategies to eat for free. However, it’s important to recognize that many individuals face daily challenges in affording meals.
If you find yourself in this situation, support is available. Foodbanks offer free packages that typically contain enough non-perishable, in-date food to last for three days.
Who can use a foodbank?
To access assistance from most foodbanks, a referral is typically required (although some independent foodbanks may not follow this process).
Referrals can often come from sources such as a doctor, health visitor, school, or social worker. If you’re not already working with one of these professionals, Citizens Advice can also provide referrals.
When seeking help, expect to be asked about your income and the reasons you’re in need of foodbank support. This helps ensure that resources are directed to those who are most in need. Common circumstances that may lead to a referral include job loss, sudden bills, or delays in benefit payments.
The Trussell Trust is one of the largest foodbank networks in the UK, managing around two-thirds of foodbanks. To find out if a Trussell Trust foodbank is available in your area, visit their website, where you’ll find details on how to access services at your local foodbank.
Want to help? How to donate to a foodbank
The Trussell Trust reports a sharp rise in the need for food parcels in the past year. At the same time, many foodbanks are experiencing a decline in donations and facing shortages of essential items. If you’re in a position to assist, here’s how you can make a difference:
1. Check where you can donate
One of the simplest ways to contribute is by looking for a donation bin at your nearby supermarket. These bins are often located near the checkout, so you can easily add a few extra items to your shopping and drop them off on your way out.
Another option is to search online for the closest food bank in your area. The Trussell Trust, a leading food bank network in the UK, provides a tool to locate nearby donation points.
You can also visit your local council’s website for details on other food banks, as well as keep an eye on social media where charities may post updates on current donation needs.
Religious institutions often host food banks or accept donations from people of all faiths. Additionally, many schools organize food drives, so it’s worth checking with them to learn what types of items they are collecting.
2. Check what you can donate, and which items are in short supply
Foodbanks typically request non-perishable items with extended shelf lives, including cereal, pasta, and canned soup.
Before donating, it’s a good idea to contact your local foodbank to find out which specific items they currently need the most. You can use several tools to assist with this:
- Bank the Food is a free mobile application, available for both Android and iPhone. By entering your location, you can easily discover the nearest foodbank. The app highlights urgently needed items or those in short supply. Additionally, you can notify the foodbank of upcoming donations by selecting the items you’re planning to contribute.
- The Donation Genie website lets you enter a postcode to find your local foodbank. It then tells you what they are in need of, and which items they have lots of.
The Manchester South Central Foodbank, for instance, currently has an ample supply of beans and pasta. However, it is urgently in need of pasta sauce, teabags, and tinned fruit.
It’s important to note that foodbanks offer more than just food. Donations of toiletries and sanitary items are also greatly appreciated.
3. Use supermarket coupons to make cheap donations
If you’re looking to give, but your budget is tight, visit our Supermarket Coupons page to find opportunities for free or discounted items. You can often find coupons for groceries and everyday essentials like toothpaste.
Struggling but not in crisis? Check if you live near a social supermarket
Social supermarkets, also referred to as community shops or community supermarkets, are stores that offer surplus food from large grocery chains and other sectors of the food industry at significantly reduced prices. Some even operate on a ‘pay what you can’ or ‘pay as you feel’ model, similar to the cafés run by The Real Junk Food Project.
These stores are typically operated by charitable organizations or non-profit social enterprises. While their primary focus is often to assist those with limited incomes, they sometimes extend their services to the broader community. In addition to discounted food, many of these supermarkets provide additional support, such as community kitchens that serve affordable meals, cooking workshops, healthy eating programs, financial literacy courses, and assistance with managing debt help.
Who can use a social supermarket?
Eligibility to shop at a social supermarket largely depends on the specific location. For instance, the social supermarket at the Foleshill Community Centre in Coventry is open to all shoppers.
However, to access stores like Company Shop or Community Shop, which have multiple locations, you must be receiving a means-tested benefit, such as jobseeker’s allowance or council tax support, or be employed by (or receiving a pension from) the NHS, emergency services, or similar sectors. The Pepys Social Supermarket is focused on supporting individuals with low incomes and requires shoppers to provide information about their current housing, employment, and financial situation.
How do social supermarkets differ from foodbanks?
Foodbanks play a crucial role in supporting individuals during times of crisis, offering immediate relief. However, they are not intended to serve as long-term solutions. Since they are designed to assist those facing severe hardship, access is often limited to individuals who are referred by a third party.
On the other hand, social supermarkets provide a more sustainable alternative, giving people on low incomes access to affordable, quality food over a longer period. These initiatives not only enhance food choices but also foster a sense of community by offering social support, helping to improve the well-being of those involved.
What’s available from social supermarkets?
The selection can vary, but many stores focus on selling surplus groceries from major supermarkets. As a result, some items may have incorrect labeling, damaged packaging, or be close to or slightly past their best-before date. However, this doesn’t imply that the products are unsafe. While use-by dates indicate safety concerns, best-before dates are simply a guideline for quality. In addition to food, these stores typically offer toiletries, period products, and other household essentials.
How much do you pay at social supermarkets?
The cost you incur varies depending on the social supermarket, though most follow a membership model. For instance, you might pay a weekly fee of £3.50, which supports the store’s operations. In exchange, you gain access to groceries worth £25 or more. Some stores also require members to volunteer a few hours each month as part of their membership.
Alternatively, certain supermarkets provide free membership and sell goods at significant discounts, much like a conventional store. Others adopt a ‘pay as you feel’ approach, letting shoppers decide how much to pay based on their financial ability.
How do I find out if I live near a social supermarket?
Finding these stores can be challenging since they are often not widely advertised or easy to spot. A great starting point is to visit the websites of businesses that have multiple locations nationwide, such as:
It’s also worth checking with your council or, if you have one, housing provider, as they often support these schemes, plus any websites and social media accounts and groups dedicated to your local area.