The People’s Supermarket – a good thing in a troubled world

I was shocked when I got an email from The People’s Supermarket saying that they are due to close. Located just round the corner from my work in Russell Square, it has become part of my lunchtime escape from the clutches of the internet and a glimpse of what can be achieved with a good idea and strong determination (nice one Arthur Potts-Dawson!).

For it to disappear would be a sign that a good idea without the help of big money, is just that; an idea. On paper, it seemed like it was destined to carry on going from strength to strength with The People’s Kitchen doing wonders with what other supermarkets would call waste, giving jobs, nay, careers, to people who were in need and showing what can be done with a lot of group effort.

Sadly, due to government cutbacks, good people will lose out. Whether it’s the disabled losing benefits, the elderly losing community centres or The People’s Supermarket not getting any leeway with paying council rates. I’m not fully up with what needs to be paid and why, but it seems very wrong, that something that does so much for the community in this Big Society should lose out.

Am sure that something can be done to save it, leaving this obituary to be hopelessly premature. Sign the petitition and show your support to a very good thing. If you’re moved to help them financially, donate some money, am sure any amount,  no matter how small, can help. Obviously a few thousand would be very helpful, but if there are lots of small donations that can help as well – it is The People’s Supermarket after all!