You + Us = More

The cost-of-living crisis is impacting households across Torbay and demand on our local foodbanks is sadly increasing. 

Many households are slipping into financial hardship but either don’t meet current eligibility criteria for help, or don’t feel comfortable accessing a foodbank for a variety of reasons. 

The YUM project is here to offer an alternative... in YOUR community, where it is needed! 

  Think of a social supermarket as the step in between a typical shop and a foodbank. Lots of people are cutting back on food shopping as the prices of everything continue to rise. They are struggling to afford retail prices, but they don’t meet the eligibility criteria to access a foodbank. 

We have worked with the local foodbanks to create an eligibility model specifically for Torbay; different from anywhere else in the UK. So that we can help the people not currently being supported to access food at a discounted cost. 

Our members can access food at roughly 25-30% of the retail cost.

Saving 75% on food shopping makes a massive difference when every penny counts! 

  Social supermarkets are operating successfully around the world, there are several here in the UK but none in Torbay, until now!!

There is still some stigma around asking for support, but social supermarket membership reduces this. 

Offering a scheme where members contribute towards their food costs and choose food to suit their budget, needs and preferences, promotes dignity, choice, and connection to the community.

Working this way means that we use member payments towards covering our food purchase costs, and are less reliant on grants and donations. It also means that we can reduce some of the demand on our foodbank colleagues, allowing them to direct their resources to the people in most urgent need of help.

Complete an application form and if you meet the eligibility criteria you’ll be offered 12-weeks membership for a £5.00 registration fee.

We’ll issue you with a membership card and you can visit us once each week to buy points to suit your budget and household needs. Points are then traded in on the day for food or household items at a discounted cost.

£1.00 = 5 points

£2.50 = 15 points

£5.00 = 30 points

Yes, more!!

We know that the struggle to meet food costs isn't the only issue people are facing. Often, there is other stuff happening as well, which is why we are keen to locate support services alongside the social supermarket. To get help and support out to where it is most needed.

We also have HUGE plans for the future, to make the YUM project even more sustainable.

We really do believe that 

You + Us = MORE!