A WIRRAL community shop is part of the UK’s first social supermarket network celebrating 10 years of "transforming lives" through surplus food.

Community Shop Beechwood, promises "affordable, dignified, and sustainable food aid' for individuals and families living 'on the cusp of food poverty".

Its aim is to help build stronger individuals and more confident communities.

As the seventh store to open in 2021, it has supported 3,086 families in the area, with members having saved £2,697,814 on their shopping bills, and shared 1,588,893 meals in the Community Hubs and Kitchens in just two years.

Wirral Globe: Packed shelves at Community Shop Beechwood, which promises 'affordable, dignified, and sustainable food aid' for individuals and families living 'on the cusp of food poverty' Packed shelves at Community Shop Beechwood, which promises 'affordable, dignified, and sustainable food aid' for individuals and families living 'on the cusp of food poverty' (Image: PLMR)

Community Shop was launched, nationally, in 2013 and has gone on to help 61,498 families, create the equivalent of more than 30.4 million meals and collectively save its members an incredible £51.7m on shopping, thanks to surplus stock donations from more than 200 industry partners and 800 local partners.

The network has 12 shops in total.

The Community Hubs and Kitchens have delivered 174,548 personal development programmes, helped 2,510 members to return to work, and ensured 809,157 children have eaten for free.

In celebration, Community Shop and Company Shop Group hosted a reception event welcoming long-time supporters and included speeches from Yorkshire Founder John Marren MBE DL and Ainsley Harriott. Local Community Chefs also designed their own delicious canape inspired by regional favourites, including a mini shortbread served with Cheshire cheese and apple jelly made entirely from surplus food.

The Group says it has high ambitions for the future, as it looks to support even more members in Kirkdale and Beechwood and welcome new partnerships with local businesses wanting to do something wholly positive and sustainable with their surplus.

Gary Stott, executive chairman at Community Shop, said: "I am incredibly proud of our journey and all that we have accomplished over the past decade, including at Community Shop Beechwood since 2021. 

"However, we know the need for Community Shop’s work is stronger than ever, and there is much more to do.

"We have a huge amount of thanks to give to everyone who has supported and trusted us during the last 10 years, including our supporters, partners, and communities we’re so proud to support.

"But most importantly we thank our incredible Community Shop colleagues and members who work alongside us everyday to deliver such transformative impact.”