Low cost, sustainable, local food market for young people aged 16 – 25

Great news!

YMCA Youth Advice Centre (YMCA YAC) Brighton have opened a sustainable social grocery store for anyone aged 16-25, living in the Brighton and Hove area.

It’s a one-stop shop where you’ll find a range of healthy, low-cost foods and shopping products made up from high quality surplus or donated supplies.

YMCA YAC are striving for equity and solidarity at the food market. Their aim is to ensure that everyone has access to the same food regardless of their situation, functioning on the understanding that some in our community might need more support than others.

If you’re under 25, shopping at the Food Market won’t only be useful if you’re struggling to afford the rising costs of living, you’ll be doing your bit for sustainability, by giving a home to supermarket surplus and paying into the profits from the Food Market will provide free meals to young people who maybe sleeping rough, are in emergency housing or who have other emergency food needs.

How does the Food Market work?

There is a £1 annual sign- up fee and then you pay a small weekly membership fee, and in return you will have access to fresh, local produce and stock cupboard items.

There are two tiers of membership:

YAC-Extra / Solidarity Memberships carry suggested donations of:

YAC-Extra Small Shop – £6 – (15 items)

YAC-Extra Large Shop – £8 – (20 items)

Standard Rate Membership – for those who are struggling financially, ie have debts preventing them meeting their basic needs or are unable to work due to illness:

Small Shop – £4 – (15 items)

Large Shop – £6 – (20 items)

You can speak with the Food Market team if you’re unsure which membership you qualify for.

Where does the food come from?

The food is provided through donations from local business and Fareshare, a national organisation who redistribute surplus and excess food to community schemes.

Some of the fresh fruit and veg, dairy products and eggs are provided by Brighton and Hove Food Factory, a non-profit organisation providing locally sourced fresh produce to local communities.

The supplies are supplemented by buying certain items to make sure there is always a good selection available.

The Food Market can be accessed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 3pm-5pm at 11 St Georges Place, Brighton BN1 4GB.

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Happy shopping 🙂

Student Advice Service