Dartford Larder, a new social supermarket designed to provide an alternative to Foodbanks, has officially opened in Dartford. Situated in Copperfields Walk, Dartford Larder aims to: provide an affordable shopping experience, tackle food insecurity, and resolve food waste to create a stronger, connected community.
Supported by Dartford Borough Council with additional funding from Big Local, the UK Government Household Support Fund, with donations of equipment and services from Dartford’s Business Community, Dartford Larder is a partnership between Dartford Borough Council, Crossways Community Church, and Healthy Living Centre.
As shoppers enter the Larder, they are greeted by a friendly member of the Dartford Larder team on reception, who will either help them sign in or create a new membership if it’s their first time. There is a selection of groceries and cupboard essentials to choose from, and all for the low cost of £4.50.
In addition to grocery shopping, the Dartford Larder will host external agencies to provide advice and support, such as budgeting, debt, benefits, health and wellbeing, and housing to name a few. The Healthy Living Centre will also assist in running a Dartford Kitchen, Dartford Allotment, along with cooking and nutrition classes.
A Dartford Borough Council spokesperson said: “Our mission is to provide a sustainable and affordable source of nutritious food that supports individuals and families to move beyond emergency food aid. By offering choice and wraparound support in a welcoming community setting, we hope that the Dartford Larder will help to reduce reliance on food banks and create a pathway toward long-term food security and wellbeing.”
