Social supermarkets

Social supermarkets in Belfast

Social supermarkets provide food, cleaning products and toiletries at discounted prices. Social supermarkets are located in the buildings of community organisations across Belfast.

What is the difference between a social supermarket and a food bank?

A food bank provides people with access to food that's been donated. A social supermarket sells food and other products at reduced prices.

While a social supermarket may offer an emergency food bank, they aim to support the transition out of food poverty by taking a longer-term approach. Located within community organisations, social supermarkets provide access to wraparound services that address food insecurity issues.

How do social supermarkets work?

Some social supermarkets have a membership charge. Some share food vouchers rather than running a shop. Social supermarkets in Belfast can direct people to other support services including:

• debt advice
• benefit checks
• childcare
• training and employment advice

Who can use a social supermarket?

Most social supermarkets use eligibility criteria to identify who can access support. Most social supermarkets only give services to residents in their local area. Some social supermarkets work on a referral basis only. Contact a social supermarket directly for guidance. 

Where are social supermarkets in Belfast?

There are social supermarkets in north, south, east and west Belfast. The social supermarkets in our table have confirmed that they can be contacted by anyone seeking support.

This list will be updated when other social supermarkets are confirmed.