Chantelle's Community Kitchen Proving its Worth

Over 200 meals a week being provided to Roehampton residents

Chantelle Bent, founder of Chantelle’s Community Kitchen

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December 8, 2023

A community-led kitchen that provides free meals in Roehampton is seeing a huge level of demand since its launch in August.

Chantelle’s Community Kitchen is currently providing provides over 200 meals a week as well as providing a space in which residents can also get advice on benefits and cost-of-living support. It also gives people a place to go and talk with their neighbours, sharing stories about the history of the Estate.

Since being officially opened by the Mayor of Wandsworth it has served up freshly prepared, homemade meals to eat in or take away. They also give out groceries and ingredients to help people to cook at home themselves.

Chantelle Bent, founder of Chantelle’s Community Kitchen and Alton Estate resident, said, “I was aware that other initiatives may require a referral in order for residents to access them. But everybody is feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis. People are sacrificing eating for heating, so there was a clear need for a free service locally that is open to all.”

When Chantelle had her initial idea, she approached a council officer in the Regeneration Team with her proposal.

“I felt comfortable speaking to Jo, as she is always present on the Estate. She was able to source a suitable building that we could operate from, and everything progressed from there.”

The Kitchen is open to the public 11am to 1pm on Tuesdays at Portswood Space, 4 Portswood Place, SW15 4ED, when Chantelle and her team of volunteers distribute the meals and food. They also host a weekly Friday café, as well as monthly sessions at which residents can get advice on benefits and other cost-of-living support.

The scheme is funded by donations, both food and cash grants, from a range of organisations and local people, including from the council’s Cost of Living grant fund.

If you would like to provide support to Chantelle’s Community Kitchen, you can contact them via email at chantellescommunitykitchen@gmail.com, or on Twitter @cck_roehampton

The council funds several community projects, and funding is available to residents and organisations. For more information, visit this web page.

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