Social supermarket reports hundreds of sign-ups

The Dartford Larder in Kent opened in July 2025 and operates a subscription model, where members pay £4. 50 to visit each week for essential items including unlimited fruit and vegetables.

Pastor Stephen Brindley said organisers had 'achieved what we intended to with the project, which was giving people back dignity'. Source: Dartford Larder

He added: "When we were a food bank, there were many people who would not come through the door because of the stigma which was attached. The supermarket takes a lot of that away because, at the end of the day, it looks and operates as a normal supermarket. " He said: "We're just doing it from our heart and our passion and I think it's had a really, really good impact.

More than 75,000 items have been distributed since the Dartford Larder opened, according to the pastor. He noted that the facility has helped reduce food insecurity in the local community by providing access to essential groceries at a lower cost than traditional supermarkets.

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