A Folkestone social enterprise that is aims to take responsibility for food choices through hyperlocal sourcing has received £1,000 from Persimmon Homes.

Custom Food Lab was awarded the donation by Persimmon Homes South East through its Community Champions scheme.

Each month Persimmon Homes donates up to £1,000 each to two groups or individuals. In April, all funds were diverted to support charities and organisations working with the over-70s as the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the country.

Cherry Truluck, from Custom Food Lab, said: “We have launched a new community initiative for the over 70s in Folkestone and Hythe, an extension of our successful Locavore Garden project.”

“The project aims to support and enable care homes to develop their garden spaces and to grow their own food. Volunteer led and delivered in socially distanced framework, we support the care home staff and residents, doing physical work in the garden, sharing seedlings and plants and teaching skills.”

“Thanks to Persimmon Homes, this grant will make a real difference to our work, enabling us to cover travel expenses and buy new garden tools for our scheme at Brampton Court care home.”

Martin Crick, Sales Director for Persimmon Homes South East, said: “These have been difficult times for everyone and we are delighted that our donations through the Community Champions scheme have been put to such good use.”

“Since the outbreak of Covid-19, our Community Champions scheme has targeted 10 different organisations that support and help the over-70s.”

“As we return to a new normal it is time to once again open up the scheme to all parts of our community, so we look forward to receiving nominations from anyone of any age who is doing good work that makes a difference to their community.”