Bubblemall Social Supermarket – A Lifeline for Families and Individuals in Belfast
Operated by the Belfast and Lisburn Community Project (BALCProject), Bubblemall Social Supermarket has emerged as an essential resource for families and individuals grappling with financial difficulties throughout Belfast and its neighboring areas. This unique supermarket runs on a community helping hand, providing high-quality food and essential household items at drastically reduced prices—usually around 70–80% less than what you’d find in regular supermarkets. It truly stands as a beacon of hope for those trying to make ends meet.
How Bubblemall Works
Bubblemall isn’t just a food bank; it’s a social supermarket that creates a respectful, shop-like atmosphere where members of the community can pick out the items they need, just like they would in any other store, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. There is no Membership fees to shop in Bubblemall Social Supermarket and can fill their trolley with groceries valued at up to £40–£50.
The inventory includes fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, dairy products, baked items, toiletries, and baby supplies—
Benefits to Families and Individuals
Financial Relief: For families caught in the tough choice between heating their homes and buying food, Bubblemall lightens the load of weekly grocery expenses, allowing them to allocate funds for rent, utilities, or transportation.
Dignity and Choice: Unlike conventional food parcels, Bubblemall gives community members the power to choose what they need, preserving their dignity and reducing any associated stigma.
Community Connection: The supermarket nurtures a sense of community. Volunteers and staff often offer emotional support, guidance, and referrals to other services like debt counseling or mental health resources.
Reduced Food Waste: By redistributing surplus food that would otherwise end up in landfills, Bubblemall champions sustainability while nourishing families.
What People Are Saying
Bubblemall has garnered heartfelt praise from its community members and local partners:
“Bubblemall has been a lifesaver for my family. With three kids and rising bills, I didn’t know how I’d feed them some weeks. Now I can walk in, pick what we need, and still have money left for the bus fare. The staff treat you like a person, not a charity case.”
— Sarah M., East Belfast
“As a single dad on a low income, I used to skip meals so my daughter could eat. Since shopping in Bubblemall, that’s changed. I get fresh fruit, milk, bread—things I couldn’t afford before. It’s given me hope.”
— James T., Lisburn
“The Belfast and Lisburn Community Project doesn’t just hand out food—they build people up. Bubblemall is more than a shop; it’s a community hub where people find support, friendship, and dignity.”
— Reverend Linda, Local Faith Leader
Local councillors and health professionals have also commended the initiative. In a recent community forum, a public health representative noted:
“Programmes like Bubblemall are essential in tackling food insecurity and its knock-on effects on mental and physical health. They’re a model of compassionate, practical support.”
Looking Ahead
With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact households across Northern Ireland, Bubblemall Social Supermarket remains a critical safety net. The Belfast and Lisburn Community Project continues to seek volunteers, food donors, and funding partners to expand its reach and serve even more families with dignity and care.
For those in need—or those who wish to support—Bubblemall stands as a powerful reminder that community solidarity can transform lives, one shopping trip at a time.
To learn more or give support to Bubblemall Social Supermarket, visit the Belfast and Lisburn Community Project website www.balcproject.org.uk or contact us directly on 02895933232 through our community centre in East Belfast.