A “SOCIAL supermarket” offering cut-price food will be trialled in Basildon under plans drawn up by County Hall to support low-income families during the cost of living crisis.

Essex County Council has announced the trial as part of its support package to help residents facing soaring bills.

It is hoped the store will help ease the growing pressure on foodbanks, which have seen demand soar in recent months.

Basildon Labour councillor Susanna Caira-Neeson, who represents Lee Chapel North, is supportive of the proposals.

She said: “I think it’s a brilliant idea and an effective way to relieve the immense stress that Basildon foodbanks face.

“In fact, I had the same idea myself and was going to present it to the council.

“It’s about empowering individuals with the freedom of choice, and not just accepting what is given to you like in foodbanks.”

It is unclear how the supermarket would be managed and who would eligible to use it.

Ms Caira-Neeson says one way to manage the scheme would be to use a special credit card, and send it to families and households allowed to use the shop.

Food and other essential items would be obtained through the use of grants and donations.

Essex County Council unveiled the idea of social supermarkets when announcing a package of support for residents amid the cost of living crisis.

Other measures included free activity clubs for children, offer of bikes to low-income families and grants for community groups.

Conservative county council leader, Kevin Bentley, said: ““This is still a very moving picture, with the situation likely to worsen for many residents as we move into autumn and winter.

“While there are certain things not in our control I remain confident that there is more we can do in Essex.

“While we monitor how this situation develops over the summer, and assess the ways the interventions from Government and others will help. I intend to propose a summit with our partners across the public sector, beyond just local government, to make sure we join up and do not duplicate our efforts to make sure our work has the greatest impact in supporting people through this crisis.”