The cost of living crisis has been a significant concern among Australians over the past years.

In light of this situation, many Aussies are finding ways to stretch their dollar further.

In a heartwarming response to current financial pressures, a community initiative offered a lifeline for thousands of Aussies.

The concept of a free supermarket might seem too good to be true.

Yet, for Australians relying on their Centrelink payments, it could make a significant difference in people's lives.

Compassionate enterprise Serving Our People (SOP) has been providing free essential groceries to individuals in need.

This year, Serving Our People has plans to extend its reach further.

The People's Market has three different locations and plans to add more stores in the future. Image Credit: Serving Our People

SOP's People's Markets have been a beacon of hope for approximately 5,000 people weekly across different locations in Queensland.

The initiative began in 2022 after opening the first People's Market in Mermaid Beach.

The People's Market was born out of a desire to help those grappling with the rising cost of living.

Since then, it has expanded to include additional markets in Logan and the recently launched Beenleigh store.

Yas Matbouly, the founder of Serving Our People, shared his ambitious vision for the future.

'We're looking to open up another three to four markets within this year,' Matbouly stated as he planned to expand the enterprise this year.

The recent havoc wreaked by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred only underscored the necessity of such services.

'It's for people who have had their house flooded or people who lost power, or whatever it may be,' Matbouly explained.

'Everybody is having difficulty making ends meet at the moment with their normal lives, and then add to that issues with disasters...That doesn't help.'

The People's Markets were the 'first of their kind' to take such an approach to community support.

To enter their stores, Australians need to present their Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN).

They are then allowed to pick 15 items of their choice—ranging from non-perishable goods, fresh produce, frozen meals, and household essentials.

Customers may enter the People's Markets once a week to ensure fair distribution.

Here are some of the People's Markets' opening hours:

Source: Yahoo! Finance​

The markets encourage patrons to 'take what you need' with 'no questions asked' as they run an honesty-based system.

While Centrelink CRN is often required for entry, SOP may allow others in need at their discretion.

Matbouly continues to iron out important details but has expressed his commitment to extending the reach of the People's Markets to NSW's Northern Rivers region.

Serving Our People's People's Markets could be a game-changer for Aussies.

It's a reminder that community spirit and generosity are alive and well, and there are organisations out there dedicated to supporting those in need.

Key Takeaways

• A community supermarket by Serving Our People (SOP) has been offering free groceries to Australians in need.
• Customers can enter the People's Market by showing their Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) and choose up to 15 products once a week.
• SOP has been crucial for communities affected by disasters such as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
• The initiative currently operates in three Queensland locations and has plans to open additional markets, including NSW's Northern Rivers region.

Have you visited one of the SOP People's Markets? Would you like to see a similar initiative in your state? We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions about this initiative in the comments section below!

 

[Shellface]

I live in rockhampton.my son lives in toowoomba.he can go to a place called Tony's place each Sunday and stock up on marvelous food.
Also he can get $80 in Coles gift cards for food and essentials.
The only thing free here is from Vinnie's and they're only open three mornings a week..which makes it hard when you're not well enough in the morning.
There's another food place that charges $50 and the food is terrible.

Wish we had more options here

 

[gaowmanee]

a very big yes in geelong vic

 

[RobbyNotTheRobot]

There is no reason for anyone in Australia to go starving.
I used to volunteer for a church group 'Soup Kitchen' for want of a better term.
It was free cooked food and they would accept donations of coin as well.
They got most of their donated food from a centre in Sydney that was choc o block full of food other then fresh veg and fruit that was donated by places like supermarkets near their use by dates. Also a huge amount would be donated just because of a mistake of printing the wrong use by dates it was cheaper to throw it away than to reprint. It was a huge warehouse that would feed people in the thousands maybe hundreds of thousands and this was just one centre in Australia.
The problem was this one was run by a very grumpy Nazi type of Woman who only gave us a token amount although we has a big trailer to carry more and there was more people for this church to feed in a few centres around the Central Coast NSW.
Also, the waste from places like Homebush markets on a Saturday
If only the major media would expose the waste and control of free food.

 

[Be-a- woof]

Because I'm on a pension I've had a few people say to me about the "wonderful benefits" I receive - what benefits? I receive a pension payment, which I am very grateful for. Because I live in a rural area; power, water, phone (if you can get a reception) fuel, food etc is way more expensive than in city areas. We have to travel 100s of Ks for medical treatment. Where I live, we have had difficulty obtaining medical practitioners. Home help is rarely obtainable due to lack of workers. We do have a physio & a podiatrist call once every 2 - 3 months & it can take over a year to get a place in the long cue. If you want a dental or optician appointment, that's another nearly 200ks of travelling(1 way) We don't have the benefits of food bank or any of the other charities that the city areas have. I am grateful for what I do get - it could be worse. I've notice though that the cheaper things are only offered to the city areas.

 

[Towing]

We have some places in SA where you can get VERY cheap products and free bread. You don't have to show a Centrelink Card at all of them.
Unfortunately some people earn extra income which is good but will still take advantage of the system.

People going to charities for free or heavily discounted food should be asked to submit a budget as it may show where they could save some money. A friend of mine knows a couple who regularly take their bills to charities and have them paid for them. One charity keeps lists and knows when they will be in again. They are heavy smokers and gamblers and have rejected offers of help. They also spend a lot of their pension of illegal drugs for their son.

 

[Janice McKay]

Wouldn't this be great if they had one of these in the Riverina, especially around Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith. We have people desperate for this kind of help too. So come on NSW, do right for your needy here.