Cavan social supermarket study

WHAT IS A SOCIAL SUPERMARKET?

A Social Supermarket provides food at lower cost, often significantly lower cost, than traditional supermarkets. It is usually run by a voluntary organisations who seeks to help those in food poverty. We are exploring how a social supermarket may be set up in Cavan and need your help (see survey, engagement and submission details below)

HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM A FOODBANK?

A food bank and a social supermarket both address food insecurity, yet they differ in their approaches. A food bank typically collects, stores, and distributes donated food to individuals or communities in need.

The social supermarket model seeks to provide wrap-around support to transition people out of food poverty. Social supermarkets often include an emergency foodbank, with people being referred to them and given vouchers to use the foodbank. People are then given support (e.g. welfare, housing, budgeting) to help reduce their need for a foodbank.

They are then supported through use of the social supermarket - where they can get food, often including fresh produce and meat, at a discount for a defined period (e.g. 3-6 months). Advice with nutrition and cooking (e.g. 6-12 week classes) can help people move to more healthy eating, and get more out of their budget. There are many variations with one example being: Kickstart Social Supermarket in Lisburn, which is led by the LCC Community Trust but involves over 50 partner churches, and local organisations.

While food banks play a crucial role in immediate relief, social supermarkets contribute to long-term change by tackling the cause of food poverty and increasing self-sufficiency. Both models are vital components of the broader effort to combat food insecurity within communities.

What is the Cavan Social Supermarket Study?

This is a study into how a Social Supermarket Model might work in Cavan. The study was commissioned by County Cavan Local Development (CCLD) and is supported by Sláintecare. Two similar studies have taken place recently in Donegal (Gaeltacht and Inishowen). McGarry Consulting are undertaking the study on behalf of CCLD

We need your help…

We want to hear your thoughts and ideas, do you think there is a need for foodbanks and social supermarket in Cavan? How can people in Cavan without enough healthy food be better supported? What are the key issues regarding food insecurity in Cavan? Please take the survey (5 mins) and/or attend an informal drop-in public information session. This will help us build a picture of need within Cavan, and how best to help address it.

SURVEY

This is the first survey into food poverty, foodbanks and social supermarkets in Cavan. Please take our short 5 min survey below, which can also be accessed via: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CavanFood - All responses are anonymous.

PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS

Thanks to all those who attended our series of informal drop-in public information sessions across Bailieborough, Ballyjamesduff, Belturbet, Blacklion, Cavan, Cootehill, and Kilnaleck between 12th - 14th of February 2024. It was great to hear your ideas, learn about what was happening locally and explain more about the study and the social supermarket model. There’s still time to take the survey or send a submission below.

SUBMISSIONS

We welcome any ideas, suggestions or queries you have regarding food poverty or the development of social supermarkets within Cavan. Names are optional.