Food insecurity charity opens new community shop at Market Hall

Derby Food for Thought Alliance, a charity which aims to end food insecurity, has opened a new community shop inside Derby City Council’s Derby Market Hall.

The Thoughtful Shop, which opened on Tuesday, will support people facing food insecurity through a new membership process set to be launched in April. It will also sell pre-owned school uniforms.

People referred through DF4TA will receive virtual credit to spend instore – depending on their household size.

Paul Brookhouse, chief executive of the charity, said the shop will give people their independence and will build a more confident community.

He said: “The shelves will be stacked with food and members will be able to come to the shop to receive support in a more dignified way.

“It is a very exciting time for us as we have wanted to launch a community shop for ages.”

Paul said when the opportunity came up for the charity to have some space in Derby Market Hall, he jumped at the chance.

He said: “I have dreamed of this for a very long time. Since the charity launched in 2020, we have issued 116,104 food parcels to people facing food poverty.

“These figures are shocking and we must do everything we can to offer food support to those in need.

“The rising cost of living is affecting us all. The highest increase is among households where at least one parent is working.

“Often families and individuals who have jobs, simply can’t make their wages last the whole month as the income is too low.”

Right now, shelves are being filled at DF4TA’s shop, which is upstairs in the Market Hall.

There is also a donation box for shoppers to drop off their donations on the ground floor.

Charity staff and volunteers are stocking a section of the shop with pre-loved school uniforms, and this will be open all year round.

Debbie Jones, senior project coordinator at DF4TA, said: “The Thoughtful Shop is about much more than just being about food.

“We know individuals and families are under increasing pressure, and this project is designed to offer support with dignity, choice and compassion.

“By bringing together food, school uniform and everyday essentials in one welcoming space, we’re taking the next step in how Derby Food 4 Thought supports people across our city.”