155 Whare Āwhina CEO Liz Cassidy-Nelson says, “As a community we care about our whānau and their needs so it’s wonderful that whānau will have the ability to pick what they need. We hope the social supermarket will bring our community aroha (genuine care), manaakitanga (sense of safety and welcoming space), whanaungatanga (built on a trusted relationship) and rangatiratanga.” 

Foodstuffs North Island Head of Membership Experience Willa Hand says, this initiative is an important part of the co-operative’s promise to be Here for NZ, making a commitment to ensure everyone in Aotearoa has access to healthy food and supporting communities to thrive. 

"When people have an emergency and need food, they come to a traditional foodbank and more often than not just get given what they get given. That's really helpful, but it doesn't take into consideration cultural needs, allergies, food preferences," she said. 

"The idea behind social supermarkets is that when individuals or families have an emergency need for whatever reason - maybe they're having a tough week, or a tough month and are struggling to put food on the table – we can do more than just give them what we have in a pre-packed food parcel. The intention is to have a range of products on the shelves in our social supermarket that enables them to come in, have the dignity of choosing the products they need themselves, so they can make the kind of meals they want to cook, shopping in an environment that looks and feels like a supermarket.” 

This is Foodstuffs North Island’s fourth social supermarket partnership, following the success of the Wellington City Mission Social Supermarket, Te Hiku Pātaka in Kaitaia – in partnership with Te Kahu Oranga Whānau and the Tokoroa Social Supermarket – in partnership with BBM. 

Foodstuffs, who donated over 6.3 million meals through its Here for NZ food rescue partnerships and relationships in 2022 now plans to roll out their social supermarket initiatives to more communities in the year ahead. Discussions are already underway with community partners in six different regions, including Tauranga, to set up similar social supermarkets and make a meaningful difference to New Zealanders in need of food support.  

Every social supermarket is different, tapping into the local knowledge of community partners to tailor the offering for the needs of each community. The Foodstuffs team bring many years of retail expertise, logistical support and equipment, such as shelving and fridges for food displays, as well as providing training to the community team who will be running the supermarkets.  

Foodstuffs, whose stores are 100% locally owned and operated, also provides financial support and stock through the local PAK’nSAVE, New World and Four Square stores to the community organisations can serve those in need with confidence. 

The name of the social supermarket will be announced at the official opening on Tuesday 27th September at 3 Woods Road, Whangarei.

Learn more about Foodstuffs North Island’s commitment to be Here for NZ here - https://www.foodstuffs.co.nz/here-for-nz