A new community supermarket has opened its doors in Chatham, Kent, providing access to affordable and healthy food. The SEK Community Food Shop, located on the first floor of The Pentagon Centre, welcomed the public on 6 October 2026.
Gina English from SEK stated that the shop is open to everyone. Beyond offering support for food insecurity, the store also provides wraparound services, including assistance with employment, CVs, interview skills, budgeting, and money management, as well as signposting to local services.
Initial funding for the supermarket was secured from Medway Council through the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Shoppers can visit the store without prior booking to access budget-friendly groceries, such as a £1 fruit and vegetable bag. The store keeps costs low by redistributing surplus food to minimise waste.
SEK already operates two similar stores in Kent. Ms English noted that in the last year, their Ramsgate and Ashford shops recorded 55,500 transactions and saved 170 tonnes of food from waste. Medway Council leader Vince Maple expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the benefit of good quality food at reasonable prices for all families.
The Chatham shop also features a confidential, soundproofed office pod for customers seeking personal advice. The SEK Community Food Shop in The Pentagon Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00.