The concept is simple, and is a proven winner. Users pay £2 and can fill a shopping bag with whatever is on offer and take it home to feed the family.

Basic Life first came about some 23 years ago in a small space in Felixstowe, it has since expanded and Chelmondiston Village Hall is the latest to benefit.

Its no judgement, no means testing philosophy has meant thousands and thousands of people have been able to access food at an affordable price without fear of rejection.

Founder Graham Denny recently visited the Basic Life pop up run by Sara Louise in Chelmondiston, with former High Sheriff of Suffolk Geoffrey Probert on hand to see the queue snaking down the street before the 5pm opening.

A variety of breads, vegetable, fruit and canned good were on offer and the warmth, collective spirit and camaraderie among the users was also in abundance.

Graham Denny and Sara Louise (Picture Nub News)

Founder Graham Denny explained the back story of Basic Life Charity and why it is still so relevant and needed today.

"When we first started helping people with food after the recession when people had run up big bills we knew there was need," said Graham.

"Since the cost of living crisis has just grown and grown. Thankfully at the same time, supermarkets started to let go of their excess products."

Previously local mangers were not allowed to give away excess stock and it had to go back to the companies headquarters.

Graham said: "Now we are able to get food that would destined for waste, even though it is still very good, and that means there is enough for more people and we know people need food."

Five pop ups grew quickly and were soon gifted to churches and run individually.that expanded to eight across Ipswich, which Basic Life seeded and they in turn fed another.

That led to kind hearted people on the Shotley peninsula who saw a need in the pockets of overt in a number of villages to turn to Basic Life.

Graham said: "We received separate emails from people on the peninsula saying they would like to start a pop up shop, so when that happens we now something is needed.

"I met with Sara, who is fantastic and does everything. She is volunteer nothing it for her, and she give sup er time and its in an enormous effort.

"That is typical of the pop up shops where there is always someone who is pivotal to the success."

As the cost of living crisis continues to bite hard, so Graham and his volunteers plan to expand further.

"We supply contacts, advice on what to to do and not to do," said Graham.

"Everywhere we go the shop pop ups receive a very positive reaction from the community and has a positive impact.

"It is not just about food it is about building communities."

Sadly, some individuals resist the pop up shops, including some nearby businesses.

But Graham and his staff believe the greater good always wins out.He said: "When we do get resistance it is usually questioning whether people need it, or how is it decided who needs it. Our view if someone gets a few packets of pasta or some beans when strictly they don't need it by someone else's criteria, then that's fine. That won't stop us, we will be bigger than that and we know that those people who do need it, get the help they need.

"You may get a few greedy people wanting to take advantage but that is a reflection on themselves.

"The volunteers are the lifeblood of this scheme, just as they are any charity. The supermarkets that donate, the people who go to the supermarkets to collect the food and put in lots of effort.

"But it is not a one-way street. We get so much joy helping peeipole and creating communities."