Community larder set up in Haywards Heath to help residents in need

The Bentswood Community Larder was the brainchild of Anna Sharkey, who works for Sussex Clubs for Young People, and councillor Rachel Cromie (Haywards Heath – Bentswood).

And the whole community has chipped in to deliver it, with support from Clarion Futures, Sussex Clubs for Young People, Bentswood Community Partnership and Haywards Heath Town Council.

Cllr Rachel Cromie said: “We initially started to help deliver food donated from kind members of the community to those families who were struggling during the October half term.

“However, the scheme has grown into something much more and now we have fresh food and the staples each day for those residents who need it the most.

“The most rewarding part of this scheme is that so many people who take something come back in a few days later and donate something else. It really is a community effort.” 

The community larder is located at Bentswood Hub in America Lane. It runs on food donations from the community.

If residents would like food they can simply head down there or join Bentswood Matters or the Bentswood Community Partnership on Facebook where details are posted daily.

Anna said: “The best thing about the project is that a lot of the food we are handing out at the Bentswood Hub would ordinarily end up in landfill.

“So not only are we helping people in the local community, but we are also helping the environment by reducing food waste.

“The food that has been donated by local businesses is for anyone who wants it and is displayed outside for anyone to help themselves.

“At this time everyone can do with a little bit of help and it’s great for the environment too.”

The Bentswood Community Larder is always looking for more food donations and volunteers.

Local organisations, businesses and residents can contact Rachel Cromie on [email protected].