Christ Church Southborough Community Larder aims to reduce food waste and help people in need:
We collect surplus food from supermarkets or distributers and offer it to anyone who wants to take it for a small donation (£3 recommended donation). Please bring one shopping bag for yourself (we limit to one bag per customer).
You can find a variety of food items, such as tins, packaged goods, fruit, veg, bakery and more.
We are open every Thursday from 12 noon to 1.00pm.
You can also support us by donating food or money.
Frequently Asked questions
What is a community larder?
A community larder is a place where you can get surplus food from supermarkets or distributers that would otherwise go to waste. This food is still good to eat, but it may be close to its best before date, or it may be seasonal or excess stock.
Who can use the community larder?
Anyone who is feeling the pinch, struggling to access supermarkets, or wants to save money and the environment can use the community larder. You don't need to register or prove your eligibility. Just bring a shopping bag and fill it with whatever you need.
How much does it cost?
We ask for a small donation of £3 or whatever you can afford for each bag of food. This helps us cover the costs of running the community larder and support other projects in our church and community.
How much can I collect?
We limit each customer to one bag (please bring your own). There are also limits on some items, e.g. fresh and tins to make sure everyone has a fair chance of receiving a balance of the items on offer.
When and where is the community larder open?
The community larder is open every Thursday from 12 noon to 1.00pm at Christ Church Southborough, Prospect Road, TN4 0EG .
Do I need to book?
No need to book, just please arrive within our opening hours - at the start of the session, there is often a queue.
What if I can’t afford £3
£3 is our recommended donation, but some can’t manage that - please give whatever you can - we won’t turn anyone away. If you can pay more a future week, then great, but please give what you can as you are able..
How can I donate food or money to the community larder?
If you have any surplus food that is sealed and within its best before date, you can drop it off at the collection basket in Costcutter, London Road Southborough, or contact the Church Office for larger donations. We cannot accept fresh food or non-food items. If you want to donate money, you can do so online HERE
Find out more
For more details contact the Church Office.
Are there any rules at the larder?
We have a simple Code of Conduct, which says the following:
“We want the Larder to be a safe and welcoming space for all. We ask all our Larder users to follow our Code of Conduct. Please would you:
Treat volunteers and other users with respect and kindness in how we you talk and act towards each others.
Be considerate of others' privacy and personal space.
Take only what you need – please limit yourself to one shopping bag per visit.
Follow any item limits to ensure fair distribution for all.
Handle only wrapped or tinned food items; we will serve loose items to ensure hygiene.
Arrive during opening hours and be patient if there's a queue.
Stay in the same position in the queue to enter the larder – do not jump forwards.
On entry donate what you can afford, even if it's less than the suggested amount.
Do not resell items obtained from the larder.
Keep the area clean and tidy during your visit.
Keep any children safe and in your care during your visit.
Keep pets out of the food area or and cafe.
Be considerate of others' privacy and personal space.”