The Embells community organisation is providing low-cost food to residents in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, through its weekly community market. The market opens every Friday at the Onebodyforlife fitness studio in Fewster Square to help neighbours manage the rising cost of living. The initiative serves as a resource for families and individuals looking for affordable ways to fill their kitchen cupboards while meeting others in the local area.
The service is open to everyone, meaning people do not need a voucher or a referral from a doctor or social worker to access the food. For a payment of £4, visitors can select 12 items from a range of fresh fruit, vegetables, frozen meals and dry cupboard goods. OurGateshead lists the project and notes the market provides an inclusive space where residents can attend without referral.
This pick-and-mix model allows people to choose the items they actually need rather than receiving a pre-packed parcel. The founder, Emma Bell, founded Embells CIC in August 2022 after seeing a need for more help for people in the community. Emma Bell says the group supported over 8,000 people in its first year of operation across the borough.
The money collected from the weekly market is used to fund separate emergency services such as free food parcels and clothing packs for those in immediate crisis. The organisation is officially registered as EMBELLS CIC and helps reduce food waste by sourcing surplus goods through partners such as FareShare. The market usually runs between 11:30am and 2:00pm ; it is located upstairs in the fitness studio at 5a/8a Fewster Square, Leam Lane, NE10 8XQ.
Beyond providing groceries, the hub has grown to include a clothing bank and a women’s wellbeing group to help tackle loneliness. Residents who want to give back can also apply to be market volunteers to help with sorting stock and serving customers.
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