ESA Social Value Case Study: Community Shop

Community Shop is an award-winning social enterprise and the UK’s first social supermarket chain, with a network of 11 member-only stores based within some of the UK’s most challenged communities. It supports these communities by providing access to deeply discounted products that have been donated by major retailers, brands, and manufacturers after being deemed surplus for reasons like incorrect labelling or seasonal packaging. These products may otherwise have gone to waste.
Community Shop operates on a free membership basis and is open to anyone living nearby who receives welfare support, is on a low income, or is referred to Community Shop by a partner organisation. All revenue raised in the store is reinvested into the local area through the Community Hub where members can access life-changing personal development support, with sessions including cookery clubs, interview skills support, business courses, and more. They also include Community Kitchens, serving delicious low-cost meals, with kids eating free every day.
Community Shop is the social enterprise of Company Shop Group, which is owned by Biffa PLC, an ESA member. In 2023, the ESA published a Social Value Charter which provides a framework for organisations across the recycling and waste management sector to identify opportunities to create social value.
Social Value Charter: www.esauk.org/application/fil...