Social supermarket helping Torbay families steer path through cost-of-living crisis

A Torquay social supermarket is helping people struggling with the rising cost of food and essentials.

Community interest company Turning Heads recently opened the social supermarket and community hub at the rear of Victoria Park Methodist Church in Plainmoor.

The supermarket project provides food, support and a welcoming place for people on low incomes. There are certain eligibility criteria to join the food club, but the food hub is open to anyone for a cuppa, cake or lunch.

Staff and volunteers at Turning Heads also provide the ingredients and recipes for a meal and dessert at an affordable price.

They’ve also made online videos of the team preparing the meals so people know how to cook them at home.

Alan Tilley, who runs Turning Heads, said: "The cost-of-living crisis is affecting us all, but some people are suffering more than others. It is hard to think of ways forward and how we can make positive steps towards change. Inflation is high, gas and electricity bills seem to be rising all the time and it is easy to become despondent.

"Turning Heads is a community interest company that is trying to help make a positive change and provide help to individuals and families to steer a path through this crisis.

"Turning Heads also provides our own food recipe delivery service. Every week, you can order recipes from our website that are delivered free of charge to anyone in the TQ1 and TQ2 areas. You can also order and collect from our site.

"These recipes are vegetarian and all ingredients are pre-weighed and bagged up ready to cook at home. A typical family, for example, can order two main meals and two desserts for £9. They will get a recipe card and links to our cooking channel to follow along and re-create some amazing meals.

"Our website has all of the information. To check out what delicious recipes we have, just visit www.turningheads.org.uk"

Councillor Jackie Stockman, Cabinet member for adults and public health, said: “This is brilliant inspirational work, and it would be good if it could be replicated across Torbay.

"It’s really needed right now when so many families are struggling with rising food costs.

“This project helps individuals, couples and families in so many ways. The meals are affordable and nutritious which is great for improving people’s overall health. If you’re well fed, you’re more likely to stay healthy.

“There are also benefits for the environment. All the ingredients are measured out, so there’s no food waste and they’re presented in reusable bags – all helping our goal for Torbay to become carbon neutral by 2030.”