Sainsbury's Tonbridge

The Community Larder started during Lockdown after hearing that the demand for the local food bank had increased by 100%. At the Community Larder people from the local community can visit weekly without the need for a referral from a professional body. The aim is that they will leave the community larder with a balanced bag of groceries ( and some treats!) in which they can make meals. We also provide personal hygiene products and baby care. With the increase in cost of living and many people struggling financially we have seen an increasing number of families/ individuals visiting the larder. This service provision within our community has been invaluable to so many individuals and families, it is something that is really needed, and as such the Community Larder will continue for as long as we can. We have been running for 2 and a half years now and hope to provide this service for many more.

We are an active church at the heart of our local community, committed to serving those around us in practical and meaningful ways. Our Foodbank currently supports over 100 individuals each week, including some vulnerable families and individuals. Every Tuesday, we distribute bags containing essential ambient food and personal hygiene products, alongside an increasing range of fresh food items to promote healthier living. This year marks our third season of running a Warm Hub. Every Wednesday lunchtime, we provide free homemade soup, rolls, dessert, and drinks. This initiative not only offers nutritious meals—often made from food that would otherwise go to waste—but also provides a welcoming space for local people to connect, especially during the colder months. The Warm Hub has grown in popularity, with visitor numbers steadily increasing. For young people, we run two key initiatives during term time. On alternate Fridays, we host a Youth Café for ages 10–18, offering free food, drinks, crafts, and games in a safe, supportive environment after school. We also run a fortnightly Youth Club for the same age group, with themed evenings such as animal encounters, movie nights, sports, drama, crafts, and shared meals. All of these initiatives are offered on a non-profit basis. At present, the church fully funds them, but in order to continue—and expand—these vital community services, we are actively seeking additional support and partnerships.

We are Rusthall's Community Food Larder. Fighting food poverty and food waste by providing surplus food to the local community.