A new community-led 'Social Supermarket' is set to open in Newcastle-under-Lyme, offering local residents access to affordable food and essential items.

Community Cupboard NUL CIC will officially open the doors to its new Social Supermarket at 21 Andrew Place on Friday 9 October at 4pm.

The new initiative, which the organisation says is built around "choice, dignity and community", will operate using a token-based model to give members choice over the food and essential items they take home.

Thomas Cliffe, Founder and Voluntary Director of Community Cupboard NUL CIC, said: "Community Cupboard started with a simple belief: that when people are struggling financially, they should have somewhere to turn without feeling judged or losing their dignity.

"Seeing this journey develop from a small idea into a dedicated Social Supermarket is incredibly exciting for us and, more importantly, for the community we want to serve.

"We want Community Cupboard to be somewhere people can come, feel welcome, have choice and know that they belong.

"Opening our doors on 9 October is a huge moment for us, but it is really just the beginning."

Starting in May 2025 as a small community food-support initiative, Community Cupboard has now supplied over 2,000 meals through emergency food parcels.

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The opening of the supermarket will now allow members to shop for the items they want rather than receiving a pre-selected food parcel.

The organisation hopes that this new space will become more than somewhere to access affordable food — but also a place where people can "meet, connect, contribute and feel that they belong".

Stock will vary depending on availability and donations, but will include a variety of everyday essentials such as tinned food, pasta, rice, bread, freezer products, household cleaning products and child-related items.

Community Cupboard is also inviting local residents, businesses and community groups to support the growing organisation, for example through volunteering, donations, fundraising or community partnerships.

Social Supermarket memberships are now available to purchase online at the website here ahead of the official opening.

Once online registration has been completed, members can visit the Social Supermarket to activate their membership card which will be valid for 12 months.

The Social Supermarket will officially open at 21 Andrew Place, Newcastle-under-Lyme on Friday 9 October from 4pm to 8pm.