Mangere Budgeting Services Trust has been working with the South Auckland community since 1994. As part of their wrap around support for whanau that are excited to be opening the first Social Supermarket in South Auckland – Tatou Social Supermarket in Mangere-Otahuhu area.
Tatou offers those who are engaged with their service and struggling with the cost of food an opportunity to shop in a supermarket-style environment with dignity and choice. It operates on a point system instead of prices, where each visitor is given a points value based on their family size to spend on products of their choice.
For a nominal Koha a shopper will get to choose items that suit their own dietary and cultural preferences. This includes plenty of fresh produce, bread, and lots of pantry staples to help families make healthy food choices.
Lara Dolan CEO of Mangere Budgeting Services Trust says while the service resembles a normal supermarket it is on a smaller scale offering a range of 750 products. Adding that the referral process includes people working with a financial mentor and encouraging financial literacy.
“They need to want to help themselves and improve their financial situation. Our vision is to work alongside families, teach them how to budget, how to solve their debt. How to manage their finances better to support their aiga and themselves.”