$2.8 million investment to expand social supermarkets across South Australia
DHS is investing nearly $2.8 million to improve access to affordable food and strengthen community connection through an expanded Social Supermarket Program.
The funding will support the establishment and expansion of three social supermarkets across metropolitan and regional South Australia, helping people experiencing food insecurity to access low-cost groceries in a dignified, retail-style environment.
The supermarkets will be located in areas of high community need, including:
- Seaford: a new Social Supermarket run by The Food Centre Inc, in partnership with Good Shepherd ANZ and City of Onkaparinga
- Adelaide CBD: expanding Baptist Care SA's existing social supermarket service at WestCare Centre
- Port Pirie: relocating and evolving the existing Port Pirie food hub run by Uniting Country SA into a Social Supermarket.
A dignified, community‑connected food model
Social supermarkets are a “part discount grocer, part social service” model that operate without eligibility requirements and connect people to services that support long-term food security and social wellbeing.
Supporting local collaboration and long‑term impact
The program includes one-off establishment funding and ongoing operational support, prioritising local collaboration, volunteering opportunities and culturally appropriate food access.
The Centre for Social Impact Flinders University has been engaged as the evaluation and capacity building partner to support Services develop their model and demonstrate achievement of the SSP outcomes.
More information will be available as services begin rolling out across the state.