Tue, 01 Apr 2025

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 'Scary' demand for community supermarket

The Braintree Hub has opened after a similar facility nearby struggled to cope with high demand.

* A new community supermarket, Braintree Hub, has opened in Essex due to high demand.
* The hub offers discounted groceries and everyday items to its members who pay an annual fee of £5.
* Similar facilities in the area have seen increased usage due to the cost-of-living crisis, with some users traveling from nearby towns.
* Founder Tina Townsend reported receiving over 1,000 messages about the opening, citing "scary" demand for help in the local community.
* Users of a sister hub in Witham praised its services, saying it had made a significant difference to their finances and well-being.
* The hubs are part of a wider network supported by Essex County Council, which aims to provide alternative support to food banks and maintain users' dignity and control over their spending.
* Local officials welcomed the new hub as a complement to existing community projects in Braintree.
* A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson highlighted government efforts to address poverty through welfare reform and increased living standards.
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