The Greater London Authority survey for Londoners (21/22) found that 15% of adults experienced very low food security in Lewisham. Being food-insecure means that, at times, a person’s food intake is reduced, and their eating patterns are disrupted because of a lack of money and other resources for obtaining food.
Lewisham Council launched a Food Justice Action Plan in April 2023 with 53 actions to address food insecurity in Lewisham. One key action is supporting the development of ‘social supermarkets’ also known as community stores, pantries or affordable food clubs.
If you are struggling to afford the cost of food, you may want to consider joining one of Lewisham’s community stores, also known as a social supermarket, pantry or affordable food club.
What is a community store?
Typically, a community store runs a membership scheme for people on a low-income, whereby members pay between £3.5-£5 a week to access a basket of groceries which usually has a much greater value. Community food stores are seen as an alternative model to foodbanks that can support people on an ongoing basis.
Evelyn Community Store was the first store of its kind to open in Lewisham in 2019. It was set by local residents in partnership with Lewisham Housing and offers a mixture chilled, frozen, fresh and ambient stock. Members visit the store once a week, pay £3.50 and receive a range of groceries alongside signposting to other support services.
There are now eight community stores in Lewisham, each managed independently by a range of voluntary organisations, resident groups, charities and faith-based organisations who are working extremely hard to ensure that residents can access food that is healthy, affordable and meets their dietary needs and cultural preferences. We recommend that you check-in with your nearest community store to make sure it’s a good fit for your needs, dietary requirements and they are taking on new members.
Below is a list of community stores in Lewisham:
Social Supermarket at the INI Food and Wellbeing Centre Thursdays 12-3pm
103 Bound field Road, SE6 1PG
Offering cultural foods, fresh fruit and veg. For Downham and Hither Green locals. Pop in to register for membership. Delivery possible in certain circumstances, email: rmukwellbeing@gmail.com
Downham Gleaning Pantry Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm
Brook Lane Community Church, 27 - 29 Brook Lane, Bromley BR1 4PX
Social Pantry for people in Downham on low incomes. Residents pay a membership fee of £5 a week to choose from a variety of food to the value of £25 - £40. Contact: downhamaid@gmail.com or register on-line at downhamaid.org.uk
Evelyn Community Store Tuesday 2 – 4.30 pm
Evelyn Community Centre, 1 Kingfisher Square, Clyde Street SE8 5TW
Food for store members on low incomes ran entirely by volunteers. Pay £3.50 per week to use the store. To become a member, collect a paper form on Tuesdays.
Feed the Hill Social Supermarket- Wednesday 10 am - Midday
367 New Cross Road SE14 6AT
For people on low incomes living in SE4, SE8, SE14 and SE15. £2 per shop. No membership required, bring proof of address.
2000 Community Action Centre, 199 - 201 Grove Street, Deptford SE8 3PG
For Members around Pepys, Evelyn and Deptford who pay £3.50 a week for their shop. Application form to join can be picked up at the supermarket or https://2000cac.org/
St Peter's Church Wednesday Midday – 2 pm
Wickham Road, Brockley SE4 1LT
A social supermarket for people in SE4. £3 membership weekly fee and choose enough groceries for a week. Dietary needs catered for. Request food via the website link to get a shopping appointment. Can deliver in some circumstances. www.stpetersbrockley.org.uk/feedback-food-request.
Kelvin Grove Children Centre, Kelvin Grove, Sydenham SE26 6BB
Offering members low cost, healthy groceries for £4 a week or £4.50 card. Run by residents for residents. People can turn up and register on the day. Signposting and support available. They accept Healthy Start Vouchers. Contact: 020 8613 0172 or 074438 88181.
Whitefoot and Downham Food Project Plus Thursday 7 – 8.30pm
Hope Church, 480 Whitefoot Lane, BR1 5SF
For those living in the Whitefoot and Downham area. Membership is £4. Members must register with a proof of identification and address, and able to prove receipt of benefits (excluding Child Benefit). Contact: wdcfplus@gmail.com
You can find a full list of Lewisham's free and low-cost community food options on our website here.
You can read more about Lewisham's Food Justice work here.
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