Can I just say that I LOVE IT when you send me links to cool stories to share? Yesterday I wrote about an autistic boy and his pet chicken, today we are going to talk about Social Supermarkets.
If it weren’t for reader Rosaleen, I might have missed this one due to being all hopped up on meds because of my recent dental surgery. Thank goodness for readers like her who take the time to pass something along, because this is one story I would have been totally bummed if I had missed.
Social Supermarkets. The concept is so cool.
In a nutshell, Social Supermarkets are markets that take surplus from other stores {items that are about to expire, are dented, mislabeled, etc.} and sell them at significant discounts to patrons who need some sort of economic assistance, instead of tossing them into the trash.
To shop at a Social Supermarket, you must have a membership, which is free. To get a membership, though, you must be able to prove that you are in need of assistance. The social part of the equation comes into play because the supermarket also offers outreach programs, such as budgeting, cooking classes, resume writing etc. It allows people who may have jobs, homes, etc., but still can’t make ends meet a chance to stand on their own two feet. {I LOVE that they offer budgeting and cooking classes!}
The markets constantly reevaluate each persons situation, in an effort to get them back on their feet and into the mainstream grocery store again. The article refers to the concept as win-win-win because it gives a home to food that would otherwise be thrown away, it helps people in need, and it takes the burden off the non-profit organizations by creating a sustainable revenue to keep services going.
I don’t know about you, but it makes me happy to think that people are trying to think outside the box. Food waste is bad. Hunger is bad. We shouldn’t have either. I think Social Supermarkets are a great solution to both.
What do you think? Would you like to see something like this in the U.S.?
~Mavis
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Carol says
Mavis, I would totally support this fantastic concept here in the US! It truly is a “win-win-win” for all concerned.
Dawn says
Mavis,
This is a fabulous idea. It seems as though we kind of have a start to this here in Whatcom County, Washington. I’m sure the program is more widespread though. We have food banks. It doesn’t work exactly the same, they rely on donations and they buy in bulk, but they do at times receive donations from grocery stores. It would be great if the food bank could offer the same programs like budgeting and cooking. I can just imagine how helpful it would be to be given/taught recipes that use the food they are providing. There was a time in my life where I had to rely on food banks to supplement how much food was put on the table. To this day, I donate to the Food Bank whenever possible. I want to give back to the same system that helped me.
PattyB says
That would be something that is sorely needed here in this country. It would also be nice for retirees and vets who live on social security to be able to qualify. Currently, I get $1100 a month and that’s too much for food stamps! Not enough to pay rent, utilities AND buy food and gas. Ridiculous!
Jupiter says
A few months ago, I was reading about a grocery store somewhat like this opening in the U.S. but now I can’t find where I stashed that link. Seems like it was in Austin.
In my area, we have a food rescue which really could be run very much like this because of the sheer volume collected. The drawback would be transportation for some people. Right now volunteers will deliver the rescued produce & goods to your door or a central location easy to get to.
Betty Davis says
I would sure support it but dont think it will happen in the USA. To much red tape to go through in the USA. And when the govt come in a destroys all the food that farmers have they are selling to customers…then waste is not a issue with them. Its beyond me….to see homeless going through trash for food and they cant even get meals/grocery day olds/etc. that are thrown away. So sad.
Bea says
BRAVO!!!! Hope this happens here. We do have some extreme discount stores that have expired/nearly expired, freight damaged goods, and not so vibrant looking produce, for significantly reduced prices. One has to seek out anything to help when you are on a limited income. Due to a major medical crisis, job loss, no income until disability kicked in, etc…, I shopped there and continue to do so to make the dollars stretch. There are so many people in circumstances that are difficult. I would even volunteer to make a go of such a wonderful venture if a social supermarket started up here.
Kristina says
Great idea. I love that they teach, as well as give. Wouldn’t really want the Feds doing this; local volunteers are best! In fact, our town has something similar, called Community Sharing. Stores bring in food (and gardeners can bring in produce from their gardens!). They also have things like diapers and such. It’s all run by volunteers – I don’t think you have to proove a need, either, which is nice for folks who feel shy or ashamed about getting assistance. Our church also has a food pantry – just come in and take a bag or two, no questions asked.
Cecily says
My local produce stand already does this, minus the membership requirement. They sell “Supermarket Rejects” for 50-70% less than the major grocery chains. They have a discount rack of produce that is still edible for 80-90% off retail and everything that isn’t fit for human consumption is donated to a local farm for the animals. They sell bulk dry beans, some canned goods, sugar, flour, and dairy products, all at a 50%+ savings. They even have $5 bottles of wine! They also recycle all their packing materials. They were a godsend to me during the ressesion when I was struggling to put food on the table. They are a shining example of a company that is providing a valuable service to the community and still making a profit.
EC says
I agree, too much red tape. It would probably operate at a loss as well and that money could be better spent. The scratch and dent food should be a gift and we should encourage the lost practice of gleaning instead. First more Mavis mini farms have to appear! I’m with Joel Salatin, let’s get rid of decorative landscaping and go with planting flowering AND fruiting trees and other produce and edibles. Food should be right here, growing and living alongside us.
Karen says
I planted four fruit trees in my yard and everyone looked at me like I was nuts. I just tell them if I am going to nurture, water, and care for something, it might as well give me something more than just shade and be pretty to look at. Now the squirrels get a few pieces of fruit too, but it is a win win all around in my eyes!
Kara Nalbone says
Former Trader Joe’s president is doing something similar:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/23/doug-rauch-expired-food_n_3975774.html
Jeananne Lybbert says
LOVE the idea!!!! How can we make it happen here?
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
So interesting! I think the concept rocks my pink socks! I really hope this concept catches on.
Though I don’t think the term “social supermarket” is universal in meaning. On the east coast, at least in the several states I’ve lived in both north and south, it refers to the stores where young singles tend to shop. Pick up in aisle 2…. Tehe. 🙂
KK @ Preppy Pink Crocodile
Arlene says
Great idea and would be much appreciated by the customers — no more dangerous dumpster diving 🙂
Stacey says
When I was a kid, my mom used to shop at a dented-can store called Terry’s Corner. It was open to everyone, and it was very popular with all the locals. Even higher-income people would stand outside the doors waiting for it to open. I’m not sure why it closed, but I think it had something to do with regulations. I would especially like to see something like the programs you described being open to those who just barely fall above the “needy” mark. Those are the people who slip through the cracks and can actually end up being the neediest.