News Council launches fund to tackle food and fuel poverty in Maidstone
A Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) fund that previously helped over 30 organisations support its service users to tackle food and fuel poverty is open again for applications.
MBC is inviting local voluntary and community organisations to apply for the Winter Community Support Fund, aimed at helping vulnerable households during the colder months.
The fund will provide one-off grants of between £500 and £4,999 to support projects tackling food and fuel poverty and helping residents keep warm this winter. Applications open 17 December 2025 and close 7 January 2026 via the Council’s website.
Funded through the Government’s Household Support Fund, this initiative will enable community schemes to deliver practical help to families struggling with essentials such as food, heating, and other necessities. Eligible projects could include, free lunch clubs, meal boxes and care packages, food voucher schemes, fuel support grants and the provision of essential items such as clothing or cooking appliances.
Previous schemes in 2025 helped over 30 organisations deliver community projects supporting families with food and essential items.
Celebration Church provided ingredients and recipe boxes through its Celebrate Family Food Scheme, enabling families to prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals. Fusion Healthy Living in Parkwood offered free hot lunches during the winter and a summer lunch box scheme thanks to the Community Support grants. Maidstone Islamic Centre used its Winter grant to provide shopping vouchers for weekly food shops and distributed food parcels through the summer scheme. Meanwhile, Making a Difference to Maidstone stocked up on essential items for vulnerable residents attending their food bank, ensuring vital support reached those most in need.
Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Safety, Councillor David Naghi, said:
We know that winter can be an incredibly difficult time for many households, especially with rising costs of food and energy. By working with our fantastic local organisations, this fund will ensure that help reaches those who need it most, providing warmth and sustenance to families across Maidstone.
Applications are welcome from voluntary and community organisations, registered charities, constituted groups, faith groups (inclusive of all faiths), and not-for-profit companies.
For full eligibility criteria and guidance, visit MBC’s website. For queries or alternative formats, email vcsliaison@maidstone.gov.uk.
Organisations can also join the Voluntary and Community Sector mailing list for updates by contacting vcsliasion@maidstone.gov.uk.
Image – Making a Difference to Maidstone stocking their foodbank