First social supermarket for Kirikiriroa set to support thousands of Waikato whānau

A new social supermarket, known locally as ‘Kirikiriroa’s Cupboard’, will open in Kirikiriroa Hamilton in August, marking a significant step forward in efforts to improve access to food and support services for Waikato whānau. 

The social supermarket is a partnership between Foodstuffs North Island and local community organisation Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust, and will be the first Foodstuffs backed social supermarket to open in the Waikato. 

Located on Norton Road, the social supermarket will give whānau dignity, choice and access to affordable groceries, while connecting them to a range of support services to strengthen long-term wellbeing. 

The opening represents Foodstuffs North Island's 15th social supermarket partnership across the North Island. 

Foodstuffs North Island Head of Social Supermarkets, Willa Hand, said the opening reflects Foodstuffs' commitment to working alongside trusted community-based organisations to help address food insecurity in local communities. 

"Social supermarkets are about much more than food. They offer people choice and mana while connecting them with services that can help address challenges they may be facing. 

"Every community is different, which is why we work with local partners that understand the needs of the people they support. We're delighted to be partnering with Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust to bring this model to the Waikato for the first time. 

"Our local buddy store, PAK'nSAVE Mill Street, will play an important role in supporting the social supermarket, providing ongoing training, guidance and practical support to ensure its success." 

Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust Chief Executive, Jaye Wainui, said the social supermarket is the organisation's most significant investment in food support in its nearly 30-year history of serving the community. 

"We support around 4,000 people each year through a range of social services and have around 1,500 tamariki connected to our programmes at any time. 

"We know the need is surging due to food insecurity in the Waikato at significantly higher levels than the national average.  Our collaboration will offer people greater choice and a more dignified experience while connecting them with wider support. 

"Te Kāpata Kai o Kirikiriroa Kirikiriroa's Cupboard will allow us to do exactly that." 

Whānau already accessing one of the organisation's 14 social services will be able to shop at the supermarket through a koha-based model, helping them access groceries at a significantly reduced cost. 

The social supermarket will operate from a recently renovated former scout hall owned by the organisation. Alongside the supermarket, a dedicated rangatahi hub and office space will provide wraparound support services for families. 

Plans are also underway to establish māra kai - community gardens on adjoining land in partnership the Kindness Collective, creating opportunities for people to grow fresh produce, learn new skills, and participate in cooking and nutrition programmes. 

Chief of Partnerships, Aroha Te Kanawa, said the project supported whānau beyond immediate food needs. 

"We want this to be a place where people feel welcomed, supported and connected. 

"The social supermarket is one part of a wider vision that includes access to services, opportunities to learn new skills and community gardens. 

The social supermarket is expected to open on Tuesday, 18 August.