Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) research show that UK households waste a staggering 4.5 million tons of edible food every year. Wasting food feeds climate change. We wanted to help change that.

The overarching objective of the Dartford Larder scheme is to reduce food waste using produce purchased from Fareshare and other related schemes. In return for a nominal weekly fee, our members enjoy a decent selection of ambient goods, some fruit and vegetables and chilled goods.

Many of our members were introduced to scheme through local schools, the borough council and local support charities; they helped identify those who would most benefit from the scheme. We launched the scheme in October 2020, with the support of 25 amazing volunteers. We currently have 65 regular weekly members at Tree Estate and Temple Hill Community Centres, but Dartford Larder has helped over 160 families in the last five months.

Here is what some of our members have had to say about the scheme.

“My children and I cannot thank you and the rest of the team enough. Yesterday, you all gave us a warm reception and made the children feel loved. The foodstuff sent to us will help go a long way. God richly bless you and everyone who made today a memorable one and to put smiles on our faces. There are not many kindnesses out there anymore but you have made the difference. Thank you again.”

“Just wanted to say a huge “Thank You” to you and all the team. It means so much being able to have the help I need but be able to feel I’m putting something towards it too. This is such a hard time for a lot of people and the last couple of weeks have been a lot easier because of your service. You are all very kind and welcoming and the children were already talking this morning about what we might get today! Thank you so much and especially for continuing on through lockdown.”

“I would like to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in your food waste reduction scheme. I am a big supporter of recycling, reducing food waste, etc. and I think whoever came up with this idea and put it all together deserves recognition. The scheme also supports our community by offering affordable weekly grocery shopping. When I collected my first bags of food I was overwhelmed with the quality and quantity of the products. Some of them were top quality, things that I wouldn’t normally buy on a regular basis due to the cost.” “I like not knowing what food will be in the bags each week as it makes me more creative with my cooking and preparing meals. I am also excited to be getting food that I wouldn’t normally buy so I can experiment and learn new things. I would like to say thank you to everyone who works with you and to all volunteers for the effort and passion. You are all fantastic!”

“Just want to say a huge thank you to you and the team for the food box. I am amazed at what I have received. I will divide up and pass some to my next door neighbours. All the carrots I had on Monday have been made into soups and I have given them out to neighbours both sides.”