Sophie serves at UK’s first social supermarket

Sophie serves at UK’s first social supermarket

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  • Post published:January 17, 2025
  • Post category:News


The Duchess of Edinburgh went shopping on Tuesday, popping into the United Kingdom’s first social supermarket to learn more about food insecurity and the community initiative to help curb it.

At Community Shop’s Lambeth location, Sophie saw firsthand how the social supermarket works to support its customers through the sale of surplus products—which have been donated at a deep discount by food industry partners—to nourish them and support the wider community more sustainably.

According to Community Shop’s website, they achieve this through the shop itself, but also through the use of a social hub and a social kitchen, where they help train and teach people through social development programs and also offer quality, low-cost meals to those who need them.

During her visit, Sophie witnessed how all three areas work: touring the shop facility, helping prepare and serve meals in the kitchen, and taking part in social activities in the hub.

Esther Dennis, a Community Wellbeing Practitioner, said in a statement on the Community Shop’s official website that “The Duchess of Edinburgh’s support today will help to amplify our message as we continue expanding our efforts to tackle food poverty in our local community and nationwide.”

There are currently 13 Community Shops around the UK, in Athersley, Beechwood, Bewsey, Eastfield, Goldthorpe, Grimsby, Halton, Hoyland, Kirkdale, Knottingley, Lambeth, Stocking Farm, and Tong Street.

Community Shop’s Executive Chairman Gary Stott said of Sophie’s visit: “We are honoured to have welcomed Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, to Community Shop Lambeth today. This Royal Visit highlights the vital importance of our mission and is a real boost for the Community Shop team who work tirelessly to tackle food insecurity. Our Lambeth store provides a lifeline for the local community and we’re proud to have created a vibrant, welcoming space where people come to share stories, learn and eat together.”

Sophie, who celebrates her 60th birthday on Monday, was surprised with an early birthday cake during her visit



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