The emergence of Social Supermarkets

Social supermarkets (SSMs) are becoming increasingly common in urban areas, especially in the Global North. From a retailing perspective, they are considered as a unique type of retail—one with a social mission to address food insecurity and reduce food waste. They vary widely across and within countries but a typical SSM has three core dimensions: (1) The “supermarket”, where SSMs offer low-cost food to low-income individuals; (2) The “social” dimension, where they provide support such as skills development, financial advice, cooking sessions, employment and volunteering opportunities, and access to community spaces and programmes; (3) Interconnectedness of the “supermarket” and “social” dimensions, where SSMs combine food provision with social support. SSMs face various challenges that significantly impact their operational efficiency and social impact. Overlooking these challenges and the deeper systemic issues driving the emergence of SSMs risks normalising them without addressing the root causes of rising food insecurity and an unsustainable food system.