New Community Grocery Opens in West Ealing

Part of network run in churches to help families cope with rising prices

It will be based in The Grove Community Church in Gurnell Grove

June 22, 2026

A new Community Grocery is opening in West Ealing this Tuesday (23 June) offering local residents a lifeline as food prices and household bills continue to rise. The store, based at The Grove Community Church in Gurnell Grove, will open its doors with a mission to make the weekly shop affordable for everyone.

The West Ealing Community Grocery is part of a growing national network of more than 35 stores run by The Message Trust a charity which works in partnership with local churches. With branches already operating in Ilford, North Finchley and across the UK, the model has helped more than 85,000 families since the first store launched in 2020.

Inside, members will find a full range of supermarket‑style products, from fresh fruit and vegetables to frozen food, bakery items, tinned goods, sanitary products and household essentials. Membership costs just £1 a year, and each visit allows members to choose their own shopping from as little as £5 per shop—saving an average of £20 each time. Larger shop options are also available, with up to 30 items for £12.50.

For many, the impact has beentransformative. One member from another branch described the difference it made to their life: “As soon as I found the Community Grocery, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders.”

The West Ealing store is being delivered jointly by The Message Trust and The Grove Community Church, who have spent years working towards this moment. Andy Hawthorne OBE, Global Chief Executive and Founder of The Message Trust, said the need has never been greater. “Escalating prices are having a massive impact on everyone’s lives, but for many it’s made life so difficult that they are having to choose between heating or eating,” he said. “We can’t stand by and do nothing, so the Community Grocery is here to help. Bridging the gap between food banks and supermarkets, we’re here to make it easier for our members to put food on the table while also providing support and courses too. We can’t wait to welcome local people to West Ealing Community Grocery.”

Beth Koch, manager of the new store and a member of The Grove Community Church, said the project has already sparked excitement in the neighbourhood. “Rooted in the heart of Gurnell Grove, this project represents years of hard work, collaboration, and a shared vision to serve our community,” she said. “The Community Grocery will meet a pressing need by providing access to affordable food while also creating opportunities for people to build meaningful connections, find hope, and receive support when they need it most. We believe it will become a place where individuals and families can not only make their money go further, but also feel welcomed, valued, and part of a thriving community.”

The West Ealing Community Grocery will be open from 1pm to 6pm, Tuesday to Friday each week. Anyone who needs support with the cost of food is welcome to join.

More information is available at communitygrocery.org.uk/westealing.