To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the Strategic Investment Board's evaluation of the Social Supermarkets Pilot Programme.

At the outset of the Social Supermarket Pilot programme the Strategic Investment Board were contracted to provide a rolling evaluation of the programme, including an OBA approach.

This has been informed by site visits, network meetings and the gathering of monthly monitoring data. In addition to this each Social Supermarket member completes an entry and exit questionnaire to track the impact of the intervention on individual Social Supermarket members.

Analysis of this information has now been completed up to 31st March 2020 and demonstrates the positive impact of the model and its potential to deliver against a range of Programme for Government outcomes. A summary of this information is available in a report card and I will undertake to share that with members.

As of the 31st of March 2020 in excess of one thousand individuals had accessed the service across the five pilot sites and the evaluation indicates that access to affordable food produce and wrap-around supports has helped to positively change the life circumstances of members and their families. Alongside evidence of increased financial security the support has increased resilience and self-efficacy.

I believe the Social Supermarket model offers a sustainable, holistic approach to tackling food insecurity. As we continue to face restrictions and the consequences of the crisis they have an important role to play in supporting those facing food insecurity/food poverty.

As a result my officials are currently undertaking a business case to roll the model out. This will be informed by a co-design process with local Councils and other stakeholders over the coming months with a view to launch a full programme for the first of April 2021.

In the interim period support to the existing five pilots has been extended.