A new community supermarket has opened in Chatham, giving Medway residents access to affordable groceries alongside advice and support services.
The Chatham SEK Community Food Shop officially opened on Monday 5 October on the first floor of The Pentagon Shopping Centre. It is open to everyone in Medway, with no referral or membership required.
Shoppers can buy good-quality food at reduced prices, including £1 bags of fruit and vegetables. The shop will also redistribute surplus food that might otherwise go to waste.
More than a place to buy food
A dedicated community space will connect residents with council, community and partner services. Support available includes help with budgeting, energy costs and financial assistance, alongside links to other organisations.
The shop is run by Social Enterprise Kent through its SEK Community Food Shop programme. Medway Council provided the initial funding through its Crisis and Resilience Fund, while volunteers helped prepare the space.
A plaque dedicated to the council’s late Director of Public Health, James Williams, was also unveiled at the launch. The project aims to improve access to nutritious food while helping residents find wider support in a welcoming setting.
Why it matters for Britain
The Chatham project combines affordable food with practical help for household finances and wellbeing. Redistributing surplus food also gives usable produce another route to local people instead of sending it to waste.
