News

A new Community Larder has been officially opened at the Golding Homes Community Hub in Northumberland Court, Shepway, for anyone in the area who's struggling to afford to buy food.

Maidstone Borough Council and Golding Homes have worked together to create the larder which is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm.

Shepway residents will be warmly welcomed with a hot drink and a smile from the team, and for a small donation of £3 per visit, (£6 for families), they can choose up to 12 items from the store and three chilled items, as well fruit and veg.

Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid, Lead Member for Communities and Public Engagement at MBC is delighted the Community Larder is opening: “We know many people are struggling financially at the moment and not able to afford to buy healthy food for themselves or their family. We hope this new larder will really help make a difference to the lives of those in most need, everyone needs a little extra help sometimes.

“Without the use of the Golding Homes Community Hub this would not have been possible, we really appreciate all their support with this project which demonstrates what we can achieve when we all work together.”

Stephanie Goad, Chief Executive of Golding Homes, said: “We know times are tough at the moment and we want to do everything we can to help our customers and the wider community who may be struggling with the cost of living.

“I know this Food Larder at the heart of Shepway will make a real difference to local people and I encourage anyone who may be struggling to pay it a visit – there are friendly faces ready to help you.”

Research has shown that food insecurity was high in Shepway so MBC applied for funding to help improve the situation and create The Community Larder. The team has worked with local supermarkets, restaurants and Fair Share Go to provide the food.

The Larder has been open to Shepway residents since December 2022 and has already welcomed almost 200 customers and distributed more than one ton of food in just 12 sessions.

You can find more information here, or email communitylarder@maidstone.gov.uk.