Why Jess Phillips MP is backing this discount supermarket

Labour MP for Yardley is recommending a local supermarket to others
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It’s the pioneering supermarket which has impressed thousands of local people since it opened in December.

Now Company Shop Yardley, on the Coventry Road, has won the praise of local MP Jess Phillps.

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Jess was invited down to the store by its directors who wanted to show her how it is offering quality food at discounted prices - while preventing surplus goods from going to waste.

The supermarket has 20,000 members benefiting from its food and household products which are sold at knock down prices.

And Jess also got to speak with some of them to find out how they found the service at Company Shop Yardley.

She said: "I was very pleased to be invited to see the work Company Shop are doing in my constituency first-hand.

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“It is an amazing way for people to access well needed resources and have dignity and value in doing so. I would recommend the people of Yardley to sign up and visit the store themselves."

The Company Shop South Yardley will offer 50% off food and household products with top brands including M&S The Company Shop South Yardley will offer 50% off food and household products with top brands including M&S
The Company Shop South Yardley will offer 50% off food and household products with top brands including M&S

The store, at 1623/1631 Coventry Road B26 1DD, is open to those working in the NHS, emergency services, social care (care homes, hospices) food manufacturing supply chain, British Armed Forces and prison services, and those working in charities.

During the pandemic, membership has also been extended to those receiving means tested benefits.

All the food and products sold within the stores are in date and perfectly good to eat or use but are deemed ‘surplus’ and may have otherwise gone to waste due to incorrect or wonky labelling, seasonal packaging or overstock – amongst many other reasons.

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As such, the products sold in store are on average around 50% off the normal retail price.

Jess Phillips MP visits Comany Shop YardleyJess Phillips MP visits Comany Shop Yardley
Jess Phillips MP visits Comany Shop Yardley

What did the Company Shop bosses say about Jess Phillips’ visit?

Jess met with Company Shop Group’s Beki Pratt, Retail and People Director, to learn more about the Group’s model and how it prevents surplus from going to waste.

Beki Pratt, Retail and People Director at Company Shop Group said: “We are so pleased to have been able to welcome Jess to our Yardley store, and that she was able to witness all the excellent work taking place and how it is benefitting her constituents.

“The arrival of Company Shop Yardley has helped to stretch the budgets of hardworking families in the region, as well as ensuring we are all working together to tackle surplus.

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“I would really encourage anyone who lives locally and is eligible for membership to sign up as soon as possible, so that they too can make the most of our low prices.”

Dan Gillard, Store Manager at Company Shop Yardley added: “It was great to be able to show Jess around the store, and we really appreciate her taking the time to visit.

“Company Shop Yardley has already received a warm reception from the community here, and we look forward to welcoming many more members in the weeks and months to come.”

Anyone eligible for membership of Company Shop Yardley can sign up here.

Incredible Surplus, a community interest company that runs pop up shops in Birmingham and Solihull where customers pay what they wantIncredible Surplus, a community interest company that runs pop up shops in Birmingham and Solihull where customers pay what they want
Incredible Surplus, a community interest company that runs pop up shops in Birmingham and Solihull where customers pay what they want

Are there any other discounted supermarkets or places to help with food supply for those in need in Birmingham?

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There are a number of discounted supermarkets and food banks in the city which can help those in need

There are nine Food On Our Doorsteps (FOOD) Clubs across Birmingham which offer options for buying food cheaper. You can find out more information on their Facebook page here Family Action

There are also pop up food shops where you can choose how much you pay for food, called Incredible Surplus. For information on the latest sessions go to their website here:Incredible Surplus

Salma foodbank, the only 24-hour food bank in the West Midlands, based in Smethwick, is vital for many families across Birmingham and beyond.

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You can donate to Salma by sending your shopping online, and choosing any major online supermarket, pay for the goods and have them delivered to the food bank’s address.

Salma is also accepting gift cards from Asda, Tesco, Iceland and Farmfoods. Simply buy a gift card that the food bank can use in store to buy food with, and just send it to the address which can be found on the Salma Foodbank website.

You can also drop food off at the Salma food bank base in Smethwick at Unit 8, Ash Court, Crystal Drive, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 1QG. You can also text them on 07767 164246

To get help from Salma, visit their website, here.

The Salma foodbank team in Smethwick (Imran Hameed is second in from the left)The Salma foodbank team in Smethwick (Imran Hameed is second in from the left)
The Salma foodbank team in Smethwick (Imran Hameed is second in from the left)

The Feedo Needo charity in Digbeth also now offers essential support for families in Birmingham through free food parcels, essential toiletries and multi-faceted community help.

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To make a single or monthly cash donation to the food bank, visit the Feedo Needo website here.

You can also donate groceries and other items at the food bank’s base at Smithfield House, Digbeth.

To volunteer or to get help, visit the Feedo Needo website here

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