An award-winning charity has opened a new community grocery on Kirkstall Road, offering affordable weekly shops to locals during the cost-of-living crisis.
The Message Trust has launched the Leeds Community Grocery in partnership with North Church, just outside the city centre.
For January only, the annual sign-up fee is available for £1 (usually £5). Members can purchase fresh food and branded household items at significantly reduced prices, alongside access to additional support.
Since 2021, the cost-of-living crisis has affected millions of individuals, with the prices of many essential goods increasing faster than household incomes. In 2024, UK households spent an average of £70.50 per week on groceries- £7 more than the previous year- forcing many low-income families to adjust how they buy food.
The community shop in Leeds offers an affordable way of purchasing essential household items for those affected.
In 2020, The Message Trust opened its first community grocery in Manchester. Since then, 30 stores have opened across the UK, with Leeds being the latest addition. Collectively, the network has provided over 16 million meals, supported over 80,000 members, and facilitated 1.18 million shopping trips.
Andy Hawthorne OBE, Global Chief Executive and Founder of The Message Trust expressed how: “Escalating prices are having a massive impact on everyone’s lives, but for many it’s made life so difficult that they are having to choose between heating or eating. We can’t stand by and do nothing, so the Community Grocery is here to help and that’s why we’ve opened a new store in Leeds”
“We can’t wait to welcome people to Leeds Community Grocery.”
Dan Cohen, Lord Mayor of Leeds, attended the launch event on Tuesday. He said: “We know food poverty affects millions of people across the UK, and nobody should go hungry.”
“I want to thank North Church for their efforts at strengthening the community… making sure people come together”
The grocery is open from 9.30 am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, at 98 Kirkstall Rd. It is accessible by public transport on buses 19, 19A, 33, 34, 14, 50, and 50A.
To find out more about the Leeds Community Grocery, click HERE.