Serving Our People (SOP), a community-driven supermarket initiative, is set to broaden its reach this year, providing free groceries to those struggling financially across Australia.
The service currently supports 5,000 individuals weekly through two Queensland locations, with plans for further growth.
Recent Developments and Plans for Expansion
SOP’s latest store, the third People’s Market, opened in Beenleigh, situated midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
This marks a significant step in SOP’s mission to assist people in need, with future plans to open up three to four more markets in 2025. Yas Matbouly, SOP’s founder, spoke to Yahoo Finance about his ambition to extend this initiative and reach more people in critical need.
The first People’s Market was launched in Mermaid Beach in 2022, created as a response to the growing financial pressures faced by many Australians due to the rising cost of living.
The Impact of Disasters on Vulnerable Communities
Matbouly emphasized that the existing locations have proven to be vital in recent weeks following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which impacted many residents.
“It’s for those who have lost their homes or had power outages due to the storm. People are already struggling, and adding disasters on top of that makes it even more difficult,” he explained.
How the People’s Market Works
The People’s Market is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at offering essential grocery items to those who need it the most. To access the market, individuals must present a Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN).
This allows them to pick up 15 items of their choice from a selection that includes non-perishable goods, fresh produce, frozen meals, and household products.
Shoppers are only permitted to visit once a week, and each location operates on different days:
- Mermaid Beach: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
- Logan: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 AM – 3 PM
- Beenleigh: Thursday, 9 AM – 3 PM
SOP uses an honesty policy, allowing visitors to “take what they need” without questions. In some cases, individuals without a CRN may still be allowed entry at the discretion of SOP staff.
Future Locations and Expansion Plans
SOP’s expansion strategy includes targeting areas such as the NSW Northern Rivers region, which was also affected by Cyclone Alfred. Matbouly is also considering opening additional markets in Queensland, potentially in locations like Logan, the Gold Coast, or even as far north as Maroochydore.
Last year, SOP conducted a two-week pop-up People’s Market in Sydney’s Botany, which was extremely successful. The event attracted over 450 volunteers and helped thousands of people. Based on the success of this initiative, Matbouly is exploring the possibility of establishing a permanent market in the area.
Funding and Groceries for Free
Given that grocery costs are one of the leading sources of financial strain for many Australians, SOP’s ability to maintain stocked shelves raises the question of how they manage to provide goods for free.
According to Matbouly, this is made possible through generous donations from corporate partners like Food Bank and local retailers. The initiative is further supported by donation boxes placed at Coles supermarkets across the country, where community members can contribute.
Serving Our People continues to make a significant impact on Australian communities by providing free access to essential groceries.
With plans to expand into more regions and increase their support for vulnerable individuals, the People’s Market initiative remains a critical lifeline for those struggling to make ends meet, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Through the generosity of partners and the community, SOP helps alleviate the stress of grocery bills and supports Australians in need.
FAQs
How do I access groceries from the People’s Market?
You need to present your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) at one of the available stores to choose 15 items, including non-perishables, fresh produce, frozen meals, and household products.
Can I visit more than once a week?
No, access to the People’s Market is limited to one visit per week per person.
What days are the People’s Markets open?
- Mermaid Beach: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
- Logan: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 AM – 3 PM
- Beenleigh: Thursday, 9 AM – 3 PM
Where are SOP’s new locations opening?
SOP is planning to open new People’s Markets in the NSW Northern Rivers region, Queensland locations like Logan, the Gold Coast, and possibly Maroochydore.
How is SOP able to give away groceries for free?
SOP collaborates with Food Bank, corporate partners, and community donations, including donation boxes at Coles supermarkets, to supply goods to their markets.