Published: Monday, 5th October 2026
Medway residents can now pick up affordable groceries and access advice and support under one roof following the opening of a new community supermarket in Chatham.
The Chatham SEK Community Food Shop officially opened today (Monday, 5 October) on the first floor of The Pentagon Shopping Centre.
Cutting the ribbon to formally open the Community Supermarket.
Open to all Medway residents, without the need for a referral or membership, the shop offers good-quality food at affordable prices, including £1 bags of fruit and vegetables.
The shop will also deliver environmental benefits alongside support for residents, with surplus food that could otherwise go to waste being redistributed.
A dedicated community space will give residents the opportunity to access advice and support from council, community and partner services. This includes help with budgeting, energy costs and financial support, as well as connections to other services that can provide further assistance.
A plaque at the Community Supermarket, dedicated to Medway Council’s late Director of Public Health, James Williams.
The shop is operated by Social Enterprise Kent through its SEK Community Food Shop programme, with initial funding provided by Medway Council through its Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Brilliant collaboration
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, said: “We are incredibly happy to see the new community supermarket open its doors in the heart of Chatham. Household budgets continue to remain under pressure, and this is something that can help make a real difference to people’s lives, with families able to access healthy and affordable food alongside wider wraparound support all in one place.
“This has been a brilliant collaboration between the council, Social Enterprise Kent and volunteers who have helped get the space ready – another example of the true One Medway spirit.”
Build resilience
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, said: “This is an important step towards tackling food insecurity in Medway as part our prevention agenda – giving people the chance to buy healthy and nutritious food at an affordable price whilst utilising surplus food that may otherwise go to waste. Importantly, this will be a space where residents can build resilience by accessing a wealth of support services too – and it is open to absolutely everyone without the need for a referral or membership.
“As part of today’s launch, it was particularly touching and poignant to see a plaque unveiled which is dedicated to our late Director of Public Health, James Williams. James was firmly committed to tackling health inequalities and improving people’s lives – which is exactly what the community supermarket aims to do.”
Acess affordable food
Rebecca Smith, CEO of Social Enterprise Kent, said: “We are incredibly proud to open the Community Food Shop in Chatham and to be able to offer local people good food at fair prices in a space that feels welcoming, positive, and respectful. For us, this is about choice and dignity. Everyone should be able to access affordable food.
“We also want the shop to be somewhere people can find additional support, opportunities and connection when they need it.
“We’re really excited to open the doors and welcome the community in.”
See the wider financial support on offer in Medway.
Learn more about Social Enterprise Kent and the SEK Community Food Shop.