The supermarket opened for the first time on Monday.
Such stores aim to cut food waste while helping people facing food insecurity by selling surplus goods at lower prices.
“It was exciting to have everyone come through the doors for the first time and give them that freedom to shop with dignity,” Cliffe said.
Voluntary co-director Laura Steele said the level of need in the area often went unnoticed.
“One in four children experience poverty from what we have found, and the average income is £29,000.”
“There was nothing really for the people of Newcastle and it was crying out for it really,” she said.
Cheryl Pepper, a carer who visited after finishing a night shift, described the supermarket as “absolutely brilliant”.
“The food’s cheap. If you go to Tesco you spend £100, but you come in here, I’ve put £20 on and I still have some tokens left,” she said.
