Guest blog: Getting access to affordable food essentials in rural Scotland

The Argyll and Bute Cost or Rural Living citizens’ panel is asking Co-op members to join their call for more access to own-brand breakfast cereals. Will you join them? 

Over the last two and a half years the citizens’ panel has been identifying issues that add to the high cost of living in rural areas, and what we can do to make a difference. From our monthly online meetings and conversations with our communities, access to affordable nutritious food came out as a big priority.  

Rural areas often have limited choices of places to shop. Prices can be high and choices limited. A simple example we talked about is that rural supermarkets often carry a narrow range of own brand basic goods. While “like for like” prices, which compare branded goods, might be the same in Rothesay or Lochgilphead as in Glasgow or London, if you don't have the choice of own brands you end up having to pay over the odds.   

Many of Argyll’s towns have access to a Co-op, and we’ve had some good discussions where representatives of the Co-op have joined one of our online sessions to hear our questions, tell us more about how the Co-op operates and understand what changes might be possible. 

The Co-op recently committed to a “member essentials basket” of low-cost items that will be available in all stores. We wrote to the Co-op to tell them about our work and ask them to include own-brand cereals in this basket, so people in rural areas aren’t paying more for a healthy breakfast.  

The Co-op told has that they won’t finalise what’s going to be included in the “basket” until early 2027 – but right now, up to October 9th, they are surveying Co-op members nation-wide to hear what they think should go in. We thought this was a great opportunity to invite our communities to join in, so we’re spreading the word, through social media, word of mouth and good old fashioned posters in community centres and village notice boards! 

If you’re a Co-op member, will you join our call?

We’re suggesting the “member essentials basket” includes a good range of healthy, own brand cereals. But if you have other priorities, we’d be more than happy if you respond with those instead, or as well. The important thing is that the voices of rural customers are heard – and don’t forget to share with your friends and contacts. 

Thank you. 

PS this action comes as Challenge Poverty Week 2026 approaches. If you join in, could you include the hashtag #challengepoverty?