Nourished for Nil, in partnership with Foodstuffs North Island, has today officially opened a second social supermarket in Hawke’s Bay, located at 506 Queen Street West, Hastings. The new store will improve access to affordable food for people facing food insecurity across the region. 

The opening comes 18 months after the successful launch of Napier’s first social supermarket, which has supported more than 3,400 families with choice-based, dignified food support. The Hastings location is expected to have a similarly strong impact, expanding the reach of this increasingly important community service. 

Nourished for Nil, already well established in the region, identified Hastings as a high-need area. The new store will operate in partnership with New World Hastings, which is providing long-term support as the location’s buddy store. 

“Hastings has always been part of our long-term plan,” said Nourished for Nil Founder Christina McBeth. “We’ve seen many people travel from Hastings to our Napier store, but the distance made it hard for some to access the service. Being just steps away from our distribution centre, this new location will make it easier for families to get the support they need and strengthen our overall impact.” 

Named Whare Whāngai – meaning “a nurturing and nourishing place” – the store was gifted its name by Sir Timoti Karetu, a leading Māori language scholar. It reflects the warmth and manaakitanga at the heart of the initiative. The former vacant space has been transformed into a fully stocked social supermarket designed to be welcoming and accessible. 

The expansion cements Nourished for Nil’s role as Hawke’s Bay’s largest food rescue and food support organisation. With two social supermarkets now operating, the charity will gain new efficiencies and serve more people, more effectively. 

Chris Quin, Chief Executive of Foodstuffs North Island, said: “We’re incredibly proud to open a second social supermarket with Nourished for Nil. As a 103-year-old co-op of family-owned businesses, we’re committed to doing what’s right in our communities. These stores offer more than just food — they provide dignity, choice, and connection. The Napier store has made a real difference, and we’re confident the Hastings store will too.” 

The Hastings store follows the same model as Napier, allowing individuals and families to shop in a familiar supermarket-style setting, paying only what they can afford. Nourished for Nil’s traditional food bank service will continue alongside the new store, offering even more support to those in need.