Grant boosts surplus food supply for Mablethorpe social supermarket
An ambitious project tackling food poverty and social isolation in Mablethorpe has received vital funding from a social housing provider.
The Community Table CIC – a local Community Interest Company – will use the grant from Platform Housing Group’s Community Chest Fund to pay for a six month supply of fresh, chilled and ambient food stock sourced through regional surplus food partners FareShare and HisChurch.
Platform’s Community Chest Fund supports projects that make a positive difference to its customers and the communities in which they live.
The funding directly supports The Community Table’s Dignity First social supermarket on Victoria Road in Mablethorpe, where more than 550 local member households access high quality groceries for between 60 and 70 per cent less than standard retail prices. By intercepting surplus food from FareShare and HisChurch, the project reduces food waste while helping local families save approximately £30 each week on essential household shopping, at a critical time as households come under increased pressure from bills over the winter period.
Liam Grimes, Founder and CEO of The Community Table CIC said: “Ensuring our shelves are consistently stocked with nutritious fresh produce, chilled items and ambient essentials is central to our mission.
“Sourcing food through FareShare and HisChurch allows us to turn environmental waste into immediate social value for Mablethorpe residents navigating the cost of living crisis.
“This grant from Platform gives us six months of guaranteed stock headroom. It ensures we can keep prices low and dignified for our members while building long term resilience across our community. We
are extremely grateful to Platform for becoming a founding partner and backing our social supermarket model.”
In addition to providing affordable groceries, The Community Table supports a growing team of local volunteers who gain practical skills, experience and accredited qualifications in areas such as food safety and safeguarding. Feedback from local residents has highlighted the shop’s transformative impact, with some members describing the service as a lifeline.
Darren Dodds, Community Engagement Officer at Platform Housing Group said: “After meeting Liam and learning more about The Community Table, it was clear that the team has built real momentum and is responding directly to challenges effecting local people.
“This grant provides practical support where it is needed most, keeping essential, high quality groceries accessible to local households during challenging economic times. Hearing residents describe the service as a lifeline demonstrates the difference it is already making. We are delighted to support the social supermarket through our Community Chest Fund and help create an inclusive, sustainable resource for the community.”
Platform Housing Group will be recognised as a founding partner at the Mablethorpe hub.