The initiative, aimed at supporting local families, is helping to provide affordable food, tackle social isolation, and boost community spirit.
The Mayor of Wandsworth’s chosen charity, Rackets Cubed, is making a greater impact as it extends its social supermarket programme from Roehampton to Battersea. The initiative, aimed at supporting local families, is helping to provide affordable food, tackle social isolation, and boost community spirit.
At the Roehampton Community Box, located at 166 Roehampton Lane next to the council’s new Family Hub, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Shoppers browse well-stocked shelves, while others sit down for a friendly chat over a hot drink. The supermarket, a key part of Rackets Cubed, attracts hundreds of visitors each week, creating a space where both practical and emotional support are readily available.
“I look forward to coming here every week,” says 67-year-old Diane Fisher. “It’s a lovely atmosphere. People from all backgrounds sit together, have a cup of tea or coffee, and chat. Everyone is so friendly.”
Mayor of Wandsworth’s chosen charity Rackets Cubed is reaching new families as it expands its successful social supermarket programme from Roehampton to Battersea.
Rackets Cubed is one of three charities selected by the Mayor of Wandsworth this year, alongside Tooting Community Kitchen and Home-Start Wandsworth. For many, the initiative is not just about affordable food but also about fostering a sense of belonging.
For Yan Alade, a 38-year-old mother of two, the community box has been invaluable, particularly after the birth of her child. “It wasn’t what I expected at all,” she says. “When I first came, I had a newborn, and baby things are so expensive. It was nice to have someone to talk to. The volunteers would hold my baby while I did my shopping, which made such a difference.”
A Model of Dignity and Choice
The self-referral social supermarket is designed to offer dignity and choice to those who use it. Natalie Price, the programme’s manager, highlights the growing demand. “Over the past year, we’ve seen more people coming in, not just for food but for social support and mental well-being,” she explains.
Customers pay just £4 to select around £40 worth of shopping, following a time-slot booking system. In addition to grocery shopping, the initiative includes weekly ‘Community Cuppa’ events and monthly ‘Solidarity Suppa’ meals, helping to strengthen community ties.
The supermarket also offers skill-building opportunities. Volunteers can take part in training on cooking on a budget and even earn food safety certifications through an eight-week workshop series, enhancing job prospects and self-confidence.
“We don’t just want to be another charity,” says Natalie. “We want to create lasting change. I’ve experienced food poverty myself, so I’m very passionate about making a difference.”
Expanding to Battersea
Building on its success, the social supermarket expanded in October with a new site at the Yvonne Carr Community Centre in Battersea, where it supports around 60 people every Friday. This expansion allows the initiative to reach more families in need, extending its benefits beyond Roehampton.
Rackets Cubed: More Than Just a Supermarket
While the social supermarkets are a crucial part of Rackets Cubed, the charity’s work extends beyond food support. Founded in 2016, Rackets Cubed began as an initiative combining racket sports, maths education, and nutritious meals for schoolchildren in Roehampton.
The programme partners with schools such as Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Heathmere Primary School, and the Alton School, reaching around 200 pupils each week in Roehampton alone. Collaborations with organisations like the Roehampton Club, Roehampton University, Ibstock Place School, and the Lawn Tennis Association’s National Tennis Centre further enhance the initiative’s impact.
“The mix of physical education, STEM education, and nutrition are all important,” says founder Michael Hill. “Each element of the programme adds value in a unique way.”
As Rackets Cubed continues to expand its reach, its social supermarket programme stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. By providing affordable food, social connections, and opportunities for personal growth, the charity is making a meaningful difference in the lives of Wandsworth residents.
