New Social Supermarket Aims to Reduce Food Bills
A social supermarket has been launched in Lincolnshire with the goal of assisting families experiencing food poverty by enabling them to save up to 70% on their weekly grocery expenses.
The Community Table, a not-for-profit initiative located in Mablethorpe, procures surplus stock from suppliers as well as products that are near or past their best before date. This approach allows the supermarket to acquire goods at significantly reduced prices.
Founder’s Vision and Membership Details
Liam Grimes, 37, the founder of the Community Table, reported that within just over a week of opening, 240 individuals had registered as members. Membership requires an annual fee of £5, after which members can purchase points to buy food items.
"These families might not have two pennies to rub together but they still deserve a dignified life,"
Grimes, originally from East London, shared that he comes from a low-income background and has personal experience with food poverty.
"If I'm going to do something for the next 30 years, it needs to light a fire in my belly,"
Distinction from Food Banks
Grimes emphasized that the social supermarket operates differently from traditional food banks.
"You find with a food bank they are means tested or you need a referral to get in the door. There is a real lack of dignity,"
"When you walk into my shop, it's a retail style environment. You can come in and select what you want rather than taking what you are given.
"I have used a food bank myself. I know how it feels."
Community Impact and Local Context
Mablethorpe is ranked as more deprived than 96% of neighbourhoods in England according to the government’s Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2025.
Since opening the store on 7 April, Grimes noted that the community response has been highly appreciative.
"I wanted 300 of the households in food poverty in Mablethorpe to in year one, but 240 members have already signed up so we are almost at our year one goal in a week and a bit,"
"Without this, there are families out there who wouldn't be eating."
Additional Resources
Listeners can find highlights from Lincolnshire on and watch the latest episode of Look North. The app is also available for download on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and on Google Play for Android devices.
