Re-Imagine Social Supermarket and Solidarity Larder

What to Expect

The emphasis at Re-Imagine is on reducing waste, and building wellbeing through creativity and community. The Social Supermarket is to the right as you enter the building, just past the counter. Here you'll find well-stocked shelves of longlife food. Everything is clearly priced so you can shop to your budget. If there is free bread, it will be displayed on the table immediately as you enter; you can help yourself but be considerate of your immediate needs and those of others who may follow.

An excellent scheme is the 'Fresh for a Fiver' bags which are put together from the fresh fruit and veg available that day. You'll get a full bag of goodies and it is an excellent way to source healthy ingredients from which to feed your household. If you haven't brought a bag with you that's ok, but it's great to swap an empty one for a full one if you remember.

You can visit any time when the centre is open and take your time browsing the shelves. Take your items to the counter (just inside the front door) and Ruth will assist with your purchase. If there's something in particular you need, have a chat with Ruth and she may be able to help.

More Information

Re-Imagine is situated at the Witchford Recycling Centre. By car, you need to enter the centre and follow the access road all the way around then take a right, at the bottom of the slope, in to the carpark which is signposted. There is ample parking immediately in front of the building, the entrance to which has plenty of colourful signage to identify it. By foot or on bike there is a safe path from Ely, just take care crossing at the roundabout to Stirling Way.

The centre also houses the Resource Warehouse which collects all sorts of materials and objects that businesses might normally just throw away and, for an affordable fee, makes them available to be transformed into works of art, to play with or for your own DIY projects. Find about more on their page here.

Other services on offer include event hire (tableware, napkins etc) and catering. You can speak to Ruth to find out more. The centre occasionally hosts short courses and events, following their Facebook page is the best way to find out about these.

Regular opening hours are Wednesday 10am - 2pm / Friday & Saturday 10am - 12noon. Occasionally, Ruth is pulled away to an event or meeting so it's worth having a quick check on Facebook before going as she'll always let people know on there.

You will often be able to help yourself to free bread.

You'll need to join as a member, which costs £12 per household for a year. Food from the supermarket incurs a low cost, prices are displayed on the items or shelves. As the name suggests, a full bag of fresh fruit and vegetables from the 'Fresh for a Fiver' scheme costs £5.