Social networks as a communication tool in social supermarkets

Abstract

Social supermarkets are a form of non-profit organizations, which use the workforce of volunteers and generated income (if there is any) is used for charitable activities. Their main purpose is to serve to customers which are in material deprivation. By definition, their operational activities include: (1) collecting donations in money, (2) organization of acceptance of donations in form of food and toiletries from traditional supply chains, (3) acquiring food and other stuff from other sources and (4) distribution of food, toiletries and other stuff for free and/or (5) selling goods at extremely discounted prices to socially endangered people. In their operational activities, there are numerous possibilities of social networks implementation in various stages of their everyday business. The aim of this paper is to analyze application of social networks in communication with donors, volunteers, end users and general public in case of social supermarkets. In the paper, we will analyze some real examples of application of social networks in active social supermarkets.