Social Supermarket Support - Tackling Food Poverty in Our Community

What Is Food Poverty?
Food poverty means not having regular access to affordable, healthy food. It can affect people of all ages, from children skipping meals to parents going without so their families can eat or older persons rationing their portions to make ends meet.

Food poverty often intersects with other challenges such as social isolation, low income, emotional and mental health issues and housing insecurity.  That’s why Derry City and Strabane District Council are working with partners to provide wraparound support services to help residents, both rural and urban regain stability and well-being through accessible support

Support Services Available
Foyle Network Foundation and Strabane Community Projects have been appointed by Derry City and Strabane District Council to deliver a social supermarket model of support which aims to offer a sustainable response to food insecurity by seeking to help address the root causes of poverty rather simply provide food. This is achieved through the provision of wraparound support which can include, but is not limited to, advice on debt, benefits, budgeting, healthy eating, housing, physical and mental health referral, and education, training and volunteering opportunities to enhance future employability. It is intended this approach and support will provide a long term solution, in a dignified manner, rather than short term crisis provision.

What is the difference between a Social Supermarket and a food bank?
A food bank provides people with access to food that's been donated on a one off or occasional basis. A social supermarket sells food and other products at reduced prices.  While a social supermarket may offer an emergency food bank, they aim to support the transition out of food poverty by taking a longer-term more holistic approach. Located within community organisations, social supermarkets provide access to wraparound services that address food insecurity issues.

How do Social Supermarkets work?
Some social supermarkets work closely with individuals and their households to provide support over the time needed.  Some have a nominal membership charge and can also direct and signpost people to other support services including:
•         debt advice
•         benefit checks
•         childcare
•         training and employment advice

Who can use a Social Supermarket?
Social supermarkets use eligibility criteria to ensure the service is provided to those most in need.  Anyone can self – refer into the local service providers by contacting directly by telephone or email. 

Where are Social Supermarkets in Derry City and Strabane District Council?
Across the Council area the two providers Foyle Network Foundation and Strabane Community Project offer social supermarket support in the following DEAs;

How to access the Social Supermarket Support
Support is available by contacting the providers;

Strabane Community Project
42 Barrack St
Strabane
BT82 8HD
Telephone: 028 7188 3102
Email: [email protected]

Grass Roots Wellness Café & Food Market (Strabane Community Project)
5D John Wesley Street
Strabane
BT82 8RJ
Telephone: 028 7141 4142
Email:  (Sharon) [email protected]
(Carol) [email protected]
Social Media : The Grass Roots Wellness Café Facebook


Foyle Network Foundation
Unit 15 Springtown Industrial Estate
Derry
BT48 0LY
Telephone : 02871263699
Email: [email protected]
Social Media : Facebook, Instagram, X
Website: https://foyle.foodbank.org.uk/



Together - we can work to help end food poverty
Food is a basic human right. At Derry City and Strabane District Council we are committed to building a community where everyone has access to the food and support they need, not just to survive, but to thrive.
If you're struggling, please reach out. You are not alone.

Lived Experience from Social Supermarket service users
The following are quotes from service users in relation to their experience of using the services locally within Derry City and Strabane District Council area.   

“The support and kindness I received was greatly appreciated.  Nobody plans or wants to be in a situation where they need to be at a foodbank but everyone is so welcoming and reassuring.  The items and range of products for myself and my children were excellent and was such a great help.”

“I contacted Strabane Community Project in February of this year (2025) as I was need of some support for myself and my kids. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do as I felt embarrassed, but once I made the phone call I felt so at ease the lady on the phone was great she explained the process and I soon was feeling more confident and relieved to receive food support and the lady went through all the different types of support, training and workshops that I could join as was feeling very low and my self-esteem was at an all-time low.
I was referred then by my GP to one-one counselling, along with my counselling I also sign up to training through Strabane Community Project and was so proud that I have now achieved an accreditation and with the one-one support plan provided by Strabane Community Project I joined more workshops, just last month I was at my counselling session and my counsellor asked me what I was doing as he could see how my confidents and my self-esteem had grown vastly in the last few months , when I told him about all of the support I had and continue to receive from Strabane Community Project , the new friends I have made  and the workshops and training I continue to do his words were simply keep doing what you are doing . In a short space of time my life now has more meaning and purpose and to be provided with this support I have turned my life around.”


" The Foyle Network shop is brilliant. The variety of food is great; it caters for everyone's needs. The savings on the cost of a family's shopping bill is unbelievable. The staff are always kind and courteous and are very easy to chat to. It's an amazing place with amazing people and I am very grateful it's there"


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