The social supermarket tackling stigma and food costs

Wednesday's at Project40Seven in Leiston start with a delivery of food.

Crates of supermarket surplus come through the door from FairShare, which are swiftly sorted and added to the shelves of the pantry.

While items are unpacked, people arrive ready to shop at the social supermarket - chatting and having a hot drink while they wait.

This, in essence, is why the project won the BBC Radio Suffolk Make a Difference Community Award last year.

Co-director Toby Lindsay-White says: "Sometimes you can feel there is a certain stigma in using services that are available in many of our communities.

"People don't necessarily fit boxes prescribed by other organisations or councils or such like. So, when it comes to using our social supermarket, there is no means testing, we have equal access for anyone that comes in.

"It's more of an exclusive shopping club."

Based on Leiston High Street, the project opened its doors in July 2023 as a community interest company. The ethos is to add services and adapt to meet changing needs.

There is a school uniform exchange, a café, a library of 'things' to borrow and a community allotment - which grew 6,800 meals-worth of fruit and veg in its first year.

It is also starting a digital inclusion project.

Rita Wilcock started coming to Project40Seven after she moved to Leiston last year.

"It makes a huge difference," she says.

"I feel welcomed and relaxed. I have a medical condition which people here know about, so I feel safe... and that's a big thing."

The pantry works by shoppers buying either a £2.50 or £4 shop, in which they are able to select a specified number of items from different colour-coded shelves.

That could be the equivalent of between £15-£20 worth of goods.

Melvyn Moyes started coming to use the pantry six weeks ago and says: "It's helped me a lot.

"My wife and I are both 77. Prices in the shops are going up, and someone said 'why not go down there?'

"Everyone feels welcome, doesn't matter who you are or what you do."

As well as having a variety of services and support on offer, Project40Seven also has a good relationship with other charities and organisations nearby.

Down the road in Saxmundham, it has links with the Sax Community Fridge - a slightly different model but still focused on stopping food waste and providing a catalyst for friendships and interaction.

The project also has support from the nearby Long Shop Museum, St Margaret's church and the Warden's Trust in Sizewell, which runs recreational and holiday facilities for children and adults with disabilities.

As with all community organisations, there are many challenges; a constant treadmill of applying for funding, supporting volunteers, and the pressures of meeting growing demand.

"It's tiring, but it's fun," Toby adds.

"I was surprised we were even nominated for a Make a Difference award in the first place, let alone winning.

"But as I said at the awards night, every single person that was there that had been nominated, and the thousands of individuals across the county who work day in, day out, to try and make life that little bit better for all of our communities.... It's fantastic."

The BBC Radio Suffolk Make a Difference Awards is back for another year, Categories include:

• Volunteer Award: For an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others
• Young Hero Award: Given to someone aged under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional
• Great Neighbour Award: Presented to a person who helps to make their neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness
• Active Award: For an individual or group who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community
• Animal Award: Either bestowed on a remarkable animal that improves people's lives, or given to an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals
• Green Award: For an individual or group who improve or conserve their local environment
• Fundraiser Award: Open to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause
• Community Group Award: Presented to a group that has helped to change the lives of others within their community. This award is supported by the BBC show Morning Live.

To nominate, go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see the full Terms and our Privacy Notice.

Nominations will close on Monday 31 March at 17:00 BST.

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