Greenstead Community Supermarket offering discounts opening

All residents with a Colchester postcode will be permitted to shop in the new Community Supermarket coming to Greenstead.

The discounted shop is opening at 5 The Centre, Hawthorn Avenue, on Friday, March 1.

It aims to offer people who may be struggling with food bills the opportunity to purchase food and household essentials at reduced prices.

Vacant - the Community Supermarket site before it was taken over (Image: Steve Brading)

The shop will be open from Thursday to Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and can be used “for a small membership fee”.

The supermarket is being delivered in partnership with Colchester Council, Essex County Council and the Divine Assembly Ministries.

It has been made possible through funding from Colchester Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with funding for storage provided through the Colchester Borough Homes Community Fund.

The shop will be run by the Divine Assembly Ministries, a Colchester-based church led by Nigerian pastors who provide valuable support across the community, including the BOAZ Outreach Project.

Natalie Sommers, Colchester Councils’ portfolio holder for communities, said: “Community supermarkets are not only a cost-effective way of getting your shopping but can also bring areas together.

“Greenstead already has a really strong community, and I have no doubt that this will serve to forge even deeper ties in the neighbourhood.”

Support - Natalie Sommers, members of the Divine Assembly Ministries and Julie Young (Image: Steve Brading)

Alison Jay, portfolio holder for economy, transformation and performance, added: “The introduction of this new community supermarket will mean local people will be able to save some money on their weekly bills, giving them essential extra funds for things like utility bills or school uniform or anything else that their families need.

“We are so pleased to be able to support the local community to make this happen.”

Elizabeth Akinyemi, co-pastor and community pastor of divine assembly ministries said there is now a need to help residents more than ever. 

She said: “With ever increasing costs for every-day essentials, such as food and fuel, there is a real need to help families who may be struggling to make ends meet.

“We are ready to build relationships with all our customers and welcome anyone from the local area to pop in, choose some food you like and come and say hello.”

Louise McKinlay, deputy leader of Essex County Council and cabinet member for community, partnerships and performance, said she is delighted to be able to launch its seventh community supermarket in Essex.

“We are already seeing customer numbers grow in our other locations and residents are speaking about the impact the new supermarkets are having on the community," she added.

“It’s not just about food. Our community supermarkets are also vital local hubs, bringing neighbours and communities together and offering a warm welcome and friendly face to anyone needing support.”