Operating like any supermarket, in a normal supermarket environment, shoppers can select items from a wide variety of products – from fresh produce, to female hygiene products.

Up to 150 households shop each week using a simple points system based on family-size, ensuring dignity, choice, and nourishment for all.

Shoppers are hosted and supported during their shops by our store manager, with social workers also available to assist.

The Social Supermarket is open and free to anyone across the Wellington region in need of some extra help. This includes those currently being supported by, or new to The Mission, and those being supported or referred by other social service agencies. All shops are available by appointment/referral-only. 

If you are an individual seeking food support, visit us at Whakamaru and speak to our team at reception between 9.30am-3pm, Mon-Fri. We’re happy to sit down with you and discuss how we can best support your needs. We do our very best to assist as many people as we can each day. However, due to limited capacity, there may be occasions when we’re not able to see you straight away.

If you are already receiving support from another organisation, they can submit a referral on your behalf. Please get in touch with your key worker to discuss arranging a referral for food support.

Our Social Supermarket is entirely dependent on donations from generous Wellingtonians to stock the shelves.

Food, groceries and household essentials can be dropped into The Mission at Whakamaru, Mount Cook, between the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9.00am to 3.00pm on Saturdays.

When donating items, please ensure they are in good condition and well within use by date.

Our office is closed on public holidays.