Struggling families are being given a helping hand with the launch of a community fridge packed with free food.

West Faversham Community Centre launched the facility this week as the cost-of-living crisis continues to loom large.

The cold storage unit, which will be open seven days a week, will be regularly stocked with goods from Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Co-op.

The centre in Bysing Wood Road will also run a sharing area as part of the scheme.

Head of community opportunities at the centre, Louise Asekokhai, launched the service at a small ceremony on Monday afternoon.

She told KentOnline: “We are delighted to be able to provide this much-needed area for the community and look forward to helping as many people as we can.

“Faversham has a need for a community fridge as the cost-of-living crisis has hit everyone in the community and people who were just about managing are now struggling to cover costs.

“Access to free food helps everyone. A community fridge also saves surplus food from being wasted and helps the community contribute to saving the planet.

“Having a community fridge in Faversham within the centre gives people easy access to food without the stigma attached to going to a food bank for help.

“Most people just take a few bits they know they will use, which helps them spend less when they do their weekly shop.”

The fridge will be replenished through donations made by local supermarkets, helping to prevent food waste from being thrown out.

A study conducted by Tesco and the World Wildlife Fund in 2021 found 40% of all food produced for human consumption was wasted.

Products available include bread, fruit, vegetables and dairy items along with hygiene products, tinned foods and pasta. There is also a sharing area with donated books, toys and school uniforms.

The service is free for anyone to use, without needing to provide proof of address.

Donations to the cause are welcome and will be used to replenish the fridge facility.