Thanet Food Link began in April 2013 as a joint venture by a few Thanet churches to provide emergency food parcels to local people in need during a time of crisis.

Its aim was to “link” those in the area who had food with those who were in food poverty.  It was expected to be needed as a temporary stopgap but the need has grown.  Official figures show Thanet to be one of the areas of greatest need in the country.

We became a charity in 2016 (Charity number 1166696), receiving referrals from children’s centres, support agencies, schools, associations supporting disabled people and community centres.

The bedrock that keeps our work going is money donated by individuals and organisations.  We also rely on non-perishable foodstuffs donated by members of the public, local businesses such as supermarkets and organisations like schools, churches and Rotary groups.

In May 2026 our Margate distribution centre moved from a long-term home in St Paul’s Church, Cliftonville to the Salvation Army Citadel in Union Crescent, Margate.