Food resources in the district
Food resources in the Folkestone and District area (July 2024)
Since the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise in the cost of living, there has been an increase in those at risk of food poverty. Voluntary organisations and community enterprises, along with Folkestone & Hythe District Council (F&HDC) and other statutory bodies, have worked together to try and support those in most need.
Folkestone and Hythe District Food Network (DFN)
The food network was set up in 2021 to find out the need for and the provision of food services across the district
It is open to all organisations and community groups that provide food services and enables information and expertise to be shared and communicated.
Many of the community projects are focused on reducing food waste and keeping supply chains local rather than specifically addressing food poverty. But by increasing access to affordable, fresh food they complement the work of the better-known, larger voluntary organisations and statutory agencies.
The following information is from the network’s full report of Resources in the district (PDF, 577KB).
Lost cost food providers
The Beacon Plus Café provides low-cost snacks for all members of the community. It operates from Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Guildhall St North on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm and from Sunflower House on Friday as part of the Warm Welcome project.
Kent Food Hubs - Quarterhouse, Tontine Street, Folkestone, CT20 1JT. Sells organic produce from local suppliers directly to customers, as part of the Open Food Network. Orders placed online, collection on Tuesdays.
Supermarkets
Many of the supermarkets in the district are signed up to the Neighbourly platform, through which they redistribute surplus food and other products to community groups including food banks.
Other supermarkets and organisations in the district may be signed up to FareShare Kent, part of a national network.
Feeding Folkestone
A WhatsApp group of local independent businesses and organisations (providing community gardens, gleaning, food waste initiatives etc., as well as provision of fresh food. Feeding Folkestone runs the Community Fridge in Wood Avenue Library, Folkestone.