The Big Issue is being sold in major supermarkets for the first time in its 29-year history to support vendors who are not able to sell it on the streets due to coronavirus.
From today (April 2), the magazine which is usually sold by some of the UK’s most vulnerable people to lift themselves out of poverty will be sold by Sainsbury’s and McColl’s for the foreseeable future.
It will be available to purchase from Sainsbury’s both online and in selected stores, including Clifton Down, and from McColl’s in store as a temporary measure for £3, with 50 per cent of net proceeds going into a vendor support fund.
The company asked vendors to stop selling on streets across the UK on March 20 to safeguard them, as the virus began to rapidly spread across the UK.
Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, said: "We have helped well over 100,000 people over the past 29 years, and on average we put £5m into the pockets of our vendors every single year.
"Now more than ever, we need your support. Our income comes from street sales and without our vendors on the streets we cannot support those people that really need us now and in the future.
"We are thrilled that the good folk at Sainsbury’s and McColl’s have partnered with us so that readers new and old can continue to buy The Big Issue during these turbulent times.
"As usual, we go half and half with our vendors. You can also buy a magazine online or subscribe for three months whilst your vendor isn’t on the street."
Big Issue vendors come from a variety of backgrounds and face a range of issues, but all are experiencing the effects of poverty.
It was founded 29 years ago to dismantle poverty by creating opportunities through self-help, trading and business solutions.
Since its launch in 1991 more than 200 million copies of magazine have been sold by over 100,000 vulnerable people.
To purchase a copy of The Big Issue online, visit the Sainsbury's website.
