Sustainable Business

The Gleaning Pantry is a social supermarket in Downham run by Downham Aid in partnership with Brook Lane Community Church. The project provides affordable food and household goods to residents in Downham and surrounding areas of Lewisham and Bromley, helping to prevent and relieve poverty. Food is sourced from supermarket surplus, FareShare donations and local community contributions, allowing households on low incomes or means-tested benefits to access essential supplies at reduced cost. The initiative grew out of Downham Mutual Aid, which was established in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown and later formalised as the unincorporated association Downham Aid in 2023. In addition to food support, the project aims to assist people facing financial hardship, ill health, disability or other disadvantage, helping strengthen community support networks in the area.

Pepys Social Supermarket is a community food project run by 2000 Community Action Centre for residents within the SE8 catchment area. The project operates as a membership-based social supermarket, helping local households access affordable groceries while supporting community wellbeing. Members pay £3.50 per week and can select a basket of food with an approximate retail value of £25. Membership forms are available at the centre or through the organisation’s website.

Peckham Pantry is a community food project run by the charity Pecan in Peckham, south east London. The pantry operates as a membership-based social supermarket, where members pay a small weekly fee to choose groceries worth significantly more than the membership cost. The project helps local residents access affordable food while also offering support services, advice and opportunities that strengthen community wellbeing.

WDCFplus (Whitefoot and Downham Community Food Plus) is a volunteer-led community organisation in the Whitefoot and Downham area of Lewisham, established in 2011 to help alleviate food poverty and strengthen community support networks. The project provides food provision programmes for families in need while also promoting healthy living, building community connections and developing partnerships with local services. WDCFplus supports around 140 families each week, offering short-term food and support programmes typically lasting six weeks to six months, alongside referrals to partner organisations that provide services such as debt advice, housing support and wellbeing guidance. The initiative is run largely by community volunteers, helping residents access practical support while building confidence, skills and local connections.

Evelyn Community Store is a community-run grocery shop in Deptford, Lewisham, providing affordable food and essential goods for local residents. Alongside groceries, the store supports the community through advice, activities and initiatives aimed at tackling food insecurity and strengthening neighbourhood connections.

The Somerville is a community centre in Lewisham that provides a safe and supportive space where children and young people can play, learn and develop through informal educational activities. Its programmes aim to build confidence, independence and cooperation while helping steer young people away from crime and antisocial behaviour. The centre also supports families and the wider community through skills development, healthy living initiatives and opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn and participate in community life.

Sustainable business consultancy. The consultancy specializes in providing comprehensive ecological support for development projects, focusing on biodiversity enhancement and management.

Plenty SE13 is an independent whole-food pantry and sustainable groceries shop in Ladywell, London SE13 that offers dry goods, ethically sourced foods and products by weight to help reduce packaging waste and make sustainable food choices more accessible to the local community. It stocks a range of grains, pulses, nuts, spices, loose tea and coffee, oils, vinegars and natural wines on tap, with an emphasis on ethical supply chains and environmental impact. The business was founded by local residents Alina and Joel, who also run Oscar’s café in Ladywell, and reflects their interest in food, hospitality and sustainability by creating a space where customers can shop consciously and support more sustainable eating and living

Fruit and Veg Boxes. Based in Brockley delivering across London

Lewisham Council’s page for information on how residents can help in the Climate Emergency

Lewisham Local is a community-focused organisation that supports the Lewisham Voluntary sector. They specialise in grant application support and a gateway to local funding, which it sometimes administrated by the organisation. Leweisham Local fosters collaboration among individuals, groups, businesses, and organisations to build healthier, happier communities. It promotes giving and sharing resources, skills, and expertise while raising awareness of community needs. They support voluntary groups through events, projects, and communications. It champions asset-based development and enhances the impact and sustainability of local initiatives, ensuring Lewisham thrives by maximizing its existing strengths and resources.