Six weigh-and-pay shops in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township sell food and household goods by weight in small, affordable amounts to address food insecurity.
The shops, operated by a social enterprise, use shipping containers across Johannesburg’s Alexandra township to sell food and household items by weight. This model allows customers to buy only what they can afford, with items like sugar, rice, and cooking oil measured precisely and priced by the gram or millilitre. The initiative aims to address food insecurity by making nutritious options more accessible to low-income families, who often struggle to afford bulk purchases.
Launched in 2022, the initiative also provides electricity to surrounding homes and a local school through solar panels installed in 2023, expanding its role beyond food distribution. Customers are encouraged to bring their own refillable containers, and the shops source products directly from local producers. In addition to food, the shops now sell household essentials such as detergent, painkillers, and period pads, responding to community needs and improving access to basic goods in one of South Africa’s poorest areas.
Why it matters
The shops provide accessible food options for low-income residents in Alexandra township.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether the placement of staple foods on visible shelves affects customer selection patterns.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.