A new community larder has opened to help people struggling to afford to buy food.

Maidstone council has created the larder at the Rosemary Graham Day Centre in Somner Walk, Park Wood, Maidstone.

Residents can choose up to 10 items from the store and two chilled items, as well fruit and veg – for a donation of £3 per visit.

It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm, and the food is provided from supermarkets, restaurants and Fare Share.

The council secured funding through the West Kent Health and Care Partnership to open the community larder, which is its second.

This was in response to health inequalities insight work with residents who identified food insecurity as their main concern.

The first hour of opening on each day will be for Park Wood residents aged over 65.

“We know many people are struggling financially at the moment and not able to afford to buy healthy food...”

The Shepway Larder has been open to Shepway residents since December and had almost 1,700 customers and given out more than 11 tonnes of food.

Cllr Claudine Russell, the council’s cabinet member for communities, leisure and arts. said: “We are delighted to be able to open our second Community Larder.

“Our first one in Shepway has been so well received and is used regularly by more than 280 customers.

“We know many people are struggling financially at the moment and not able to afford to buy healthy food.

“Everyone needs a little extra help sometimes so we hope this new larder will really help make a difference to the lives of those in most need.”